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 21 août 2020
Don't Wait Until the Clock Strikes Midnight to Book Your Stay at This Cinderella Motel Room
By (fictional) royal invitation, you are formally invited to treat yourself to an extravagant getaway fit for a princess in this elegant Cinderella-inspired motel room. The magical tower cottage is one of several themed bedrooms at The Roxbury Motel in Roxbury, NY. Like something conjured up by the Fairy Godmother herself, "Cinderella's Gown," aka Room 42, is adorned with glistening chandeliers, gold accents, hand-painted pumpkin vines along the walls, and cozy finishes that make the two-bedroom suite feel like a 17th-century fairy tale cottage.
Complete with two queen-sized bedrooms, the tower suite also features two private ensuites, one with a whimsical mural of Cinderella's village (downstairs) and another enclosed in a giant pumpkin carriage that magically morphed into a supercute bathroom (upstairs). The downstairs bedroom, which has its own fireplace, also includes an 18-foot ball gown (pieced together by blue jays, of course) that acts as a canopy over the bed. Other features of the cottage-themed tower include a refreshment area, a screened-in back porch with outdoor dining tables, a view of the surrounding mountains and meadows, and a common living area with a sleeper sofa.
The room, which can accommodate up to six guests, ranges in price from $450 to $620 per night and is already booked through the third week of October. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the motel is taking increased safety precautions for the health and safety of guests and staff. Take a closer look at all of the mesmerizing amenities in store here.
49 Palm Tree Tattoo Ideas to Help You Embrace Tropical Island Life Every Day of the Year
There are very few tattoo designs that are as universally coveted as a tropical palm tree. They're extremely versatile, and lend themselves equally to a small, minimalist, design as a whimsical, watercolor-style tattoo, or an all-out creation that dominates an entire limb. Basically, there's a palm tree tattoo for every taste, whether you prefer simple tattoos, or are in the market for a real showstopper.
We think palm trees are oddly calming, regardless of the season, or the tattoo style you opt for, and conveniently, they're also a great option for couples and best friends who're looking for the perfect design for matching tattoos. Our personal favorite styles are those that mix minimalist line drawings, with pops of color that help to add an individual flair to the tattoo.
Keep on scrolling to see a bunch of examples of palm tree tattoos that will bring a little slice of tropical, island life to your every day.
13 Face Mask Chains That Are Both Cute and Practical
Whenever I leave the house, I'm in a face mask. Full disclosure, my departures are still relatively quick, and I basically don't take off my mask until I get back home, or I'm in my car. I know that lots of people are taking advantage of outdoor dining right now, and for situations such as that, I think there's real value in a mask chain. I really like these 13 cute options on Etsy, to be exact.
A mask chain is very similar to a sunglass chain; you simply attach your mask to these chains, and it goes around your neck, so that for the few times you're not wearing your mask, it would hang around your neck like a necklace. Initially, I was cautious of these chains, but they've gotten the stamp of approval from my best friend, a nurse in New York City, so I feel good about these chains. Plus, there are so many adorable options. Think rainbows, personalized chains, and even gold links. Keep reading to shop our picks.
Related: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech Was Made Even More Powerful by Her Simple "Vote" Necklace
Aldi Bagged Peaches Recalled in 20 States Over Possible Salmonella Contamination
Aldi has issued a voluntary recall of Wawona-brand bagged peaches as the CDC investigates a potential link to a salmonella outbreak across the Northeast and Midwest. As of Aug. 19, 68 people from nine states have reported infections, with 14 hospitalizations and no deaths.
According to the CDC, people with salmonella infections typically have diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a fever six hours to six days after exposure. Most people recover in four to seven days without treatment, though some illnesses are more severe, requiring hospitalization and potentially spreading into the bloodstream. (Children under five, adults over 65, and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of a severe infection.)
The recalled products featured these codes:
- Wawona Peaches 2 lb., UPC code: 033383322001
- Peaches Organic 2 lb., UPC code: 849315000400
The CDC recommends throwing away any Wawona bagged peaches purchased after June 1 from Aldi stores in affected states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. While the recall applies to 20 states (see the full list here), infections have been reported in nine so far. The CDC noted that the recalled bags were also available through Instacart, and the agency is continuing to investigate whether other products or retailers are also linked to the outbreak.
Even if you haven't had symptoms or aren't sure if your peaches are contaminated, the CDC recommends discarding them and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces where they were stored. If you do have salmonella symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider and write down anything you ate the week before you got sick. You should also tell your local health department about your illness to help track the outbreak.
13 Face Mask Chains That Are Both Cute and Practical
Whenever I leave the house, I'm in a face mask. Full disclosure, my departures are still relatively quick, and I basically don't take off my mask until I get back home, or I'm in my car. I know that lots of people are taking advantage of outdoor dining right now, and for situations such as that, I think there's real value in a mask chain. I really like these 13 cute options on Etsy, to be exact.
A mask chain is very similar to a sunglass chain; you simply attach your mask to these chains, and it goes around your neck, so that for the few times you're not wearing your mask, it would hang around your neck like a necklace. Initially, I was cautious of these chains, but they've gotten the stamp of approval from my best friend, a nurse in New York City, so I feel good about these chains. Plus, there are so many adorable options. Think rainbows, personalized chains, and even gold links. Keep reading to shop our picks.
Related: Michelle Obama's DNC Speech Was Made Even More Powerful by Her Simple "Vote" Necklace
Aldi Bagged Peaches Recalled in 20 States Over Possible Salmonella Contamination
Aldi has issued a voluntary recall of Wawona-brand bagged peaches as the CDC investigates a potential link to a salmonella outbreak across the Northeast and Midwest. As of Aug. 19, 68 people from nine states have reported infections, with 14 hospitalizations and no deaths.
According to the CDC, people with salmonella infections typically have diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a fever six hours to six days after exposure. Most people recover in four to seven days without treatment, though some illnesses are more severe, requiring hospitalization and potentially spreading into the bloodstream. (Children under five, adults over 65, and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of a severe infection.)
The recalled products featured these codes:
- Wawona Peaches 2 lb., UPC code: 033383322001
- Peaches Organic 2 lb., UPC code: 849315000400
The CDC recommends throwing away any Wawona bagged peaches purchased after June 1 from Aldi stores in affected states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. While the recall applies to 20 states (see the full list here), infections have been reported in nine so far. The CDC noted that the recalled bags were also available through Instacart, and the agency is continuing to investigate whether other products or retailers are also linked to the outbreak.
Even if you haven't had symptoms or aren't sure if your peaches are contaminated, the CDC recommends discarding them and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces where they were stored. If you do have salmonella symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider and write down anything you ate the week before you got sick. You should also tell your local health department about your illness to help track the outbreak.
10 Strength Workouts That Will Help You Feel Leaner and Stronger in 30 Minutes
If you want to focus more on building muscle than simply burning calories through cardio, but you have no idea where to start, you've come to the right place. Strength training encompasses a wide variety of workouts - from Pilates to HIIT - that you can do with or without equipment, like dumbbells or kettlebells. Fortunately, there are a ton of workouts on YouTube, dedicated to full-body toning or strengthening specific muscle groups, that you can do right from the comfort of your home. To help get you started, we've rounded up some of the best 30-minute strength workouts you'll find on the platform. Grab a set of weights, your yoga mat, or ditch the equipment altogether, and get to work.
Come, Little Children, HomeGoods Has a Chip and Dip Tray in the Shape of a Witch Hat
Amok, amok, amok! HomeGoods is selling a Hocus Pocus-themed chip and dip tray in the shape of a spooky witch hat, in stores now. The chain recently stocked its shelves with these adorable snack bowls, as part of its frighteningly good collection of Halloween-themed home decor.
Inspired by the Sanderson sisters' witch hats, these Rae Dunn trays are meant to house chips and dip, but can also hold handfuls of Halloween candy or simply serve as fun decor pieces. According to shoppers who've already spotted the serveware at HomeGoods stores, the chip and dip tray is $26. You can trust that fans of Hocus Pocus will quickly sell out these witchy platters, so run to your local HomeGoods to snag one for yourself. Keep scrolling to get a closer look at the serving dish, which we'll definitely be putting on display in our homes.
10 Strength Workouts That Will Help You Feel Leaner and Stronger in 30 Minutes
If you want to focus more on building muscle than simply burning calories through cardio, but you have no idea where to start, you've come to the right place. Strength training encompasses a wide variety of workouts - from Pilates to HIIT - that you can do with or without equipment, like dumbbells or kettlebells. Fortunately, there are a ton of workouts on YouTube, dedicated to full-body toning or strengthening specific muscle groups, that you can do right from the comfort of your home. To help get you started, we've rounded up some of the best 30-minute strength workouts you'll find on the platform. Grab a set of weights, your yoga mat, or ditch the equipment altogether, and get to work.
Come, Little Children, HomeGoods Has a Chip and Dip Tray in the Shape of a Witch Hat
Amok, amok, amok! HomeGoods is selling a Hocus Pocus-themed chip and dip tray in the shape of a spooky witch hat, in stores now. The chain recently stocked its shelves with these adorable snack bowls, as part of its frighteningly good collection of Halloween-themed home decor.
Inspired by the Sanderson sisters' witch hats, these Rae Dunn trays are meant to house chips and dip, but can also hold handfuls of Halloween candy or simply serve as fun decor pieces. According to shoppers who've already spotted the serveware at HomeGoods stores, the chip and dip tray is $26. You can trust that fans of Hocus Pocus will quickly sell out these witchy platters, so run to your local HomeGoods to snag one for yourself. Keep scrolling to get a closer look at the serving dish, which we'll definitely be putting on display in our homes.
Come, Little Children, HomeGoods Has a Chip and Dip Tray in the Shape of a Witch Hat
Amok, amok, amok! HomeGoods is selling a Hocus Pocus-themed chip and dip tray in the shape of a spooky witch hat, in stores now. The chain recently stocked its shelves with these adorable snack bowls, as part of its frighteningly good collection of Halloween-themed home decor.
Inspired by the Sanderson sisters' witch hats, these Rae Dunn trays are meant to house chips and dip, but can also hold handfuls of Halloween candy or simply serve as fun decor pieces. According to shoppers who've already spotted the serveware at HomeGoods stores, the chip and dip tray is $26. You can trust that fans of Hocus Pocus will quickly sell out these witchy platters, so run to your local HomeGoods to snag one for yourself. Keep scrolling to get a closer look at the serving dish, which we'll definitely be putting on display in our homes.
jeudi 20 août 2020
The First Snowfall, Pumpkin Spice, and 39 Other Things We Can Still Look Forward To in 2020
This has been an unpredictable year, but the best thing we can do is look ahead. The fall and winter hold a lot of key traditions, holidays, and activities that we hold dear to our hearts, and while some may look a little different, it doesn't mean we can't still have fun! Think of roasting marshmallows over a fire, turning on your favorite holiday music, or better yet, the feeling you get after the first snowfall. It's the little things that get us excited for the seasons to come. Bookmark this list and refer to it on the days you're feeling down, or better yet, print it out and hang it on your wall for inspiration. The year's not over yet, so we might as well make the best of it! Here are all of the comforting things we can still look forward to in 2020.
1929 Galore Has the Best Pieces to Define Your Jewelry Aesthetic
Finding your specific jewelry aesthetic can be one of the most stressful things for anyone trying to live their best, most fashionable life, and black-owned jewelry brand 1929 is helping me do just that. Trends are constantly changing, and it feels like in order to keep up, you either have to settle for emptying your bank account or deal with turning your fingers green. But 1929 Galore is your solution! The jewelry company's goal is to provide pieces that can be layered to help everyone define their style, their way. Jewelry is such a personal touch, and it can really make your outfits feel more like you. We've scoured the brand's site and found the best pieces to help define your style, and you can shop them all ahead.
This Chicago-Based Creator's 3D Art Showcases the Beauty of Black Hair
Tyler Clark is redefining what it means to bring art to life. The Chicago-based creator is known by her 90K+ Instagram followers for her stunning 3D artwork that incorporates real textured hair. Her work is so good that it's previously been shared (and purchased) by celebrities like Chance the Rapper and featured at high-profile events such as Miami's Art Basel.
Most of Clark's artwork is a love letter to Black women and the versatility of natural hair, and her pieces regularly feature portraits of Black women wearing a variety of hairstyles like box braids, Bantu knots, and locs. A former STEM major at both Spelman College and Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark got into painting and creating art as a way to relieve herself from the stress of her schoolwork.
"Art was therapeutic for me, and I wanted my art to be unique," she told POPSUGAR. "I love hair, and it was a great way for me to blend hair and painting."
Scrolling through her Instagram page, it's hard not to fall in love with her creations. Aside from them being relatable, they're another way for Black women to see themselves in another industry where they're largely underrepresented.
"It's important because it highlights the beauty in Black hair and it helps a lot with self-love."
"I think it's important because it highlights the beauty in Black hair and it helps a lot with self-love," she said. "It helps me to find beauty in my hair, and whoever looks at my artwork can feel connected as well."
Clark's pieces usually take around one month to finish, and several of them are currently available to purchase on her official website with and without hair. Check them out ahead.
Oat Milk Is Officially at Dunkin' Donuts, So We'll Take a Dairy-Free Iced Latte, Please
Want your latte with a plant-based twist? Good news: Dunkin' Donuts is officially bringing oat milk to stores nationwide, and you'll be able to sub it into any beverage your heart desires, including the drinks on the freshly announced fall menu - which, yes, means pumpkin spice lattes. Pumpkin spice with oat milk is a winning combination if we've ever heard one.
More on the news: Dunkin' partnered with Planet Oat to produce the oat milk, which will be available in all stores in the US. It's debuting with a signature beverage, the Iced Oatmilk Latte, which Dunkin' described in a statement as a combo of "rich, handcrafted espresso and creamy oat milk." The brand actually started offering oat milk in California stores back in January and is now rolling them out coast to coast, to the delight of plant-based Dunkin' fans. Now, you can swap oat milk into any Dunkin' drink in place of milk, almond milk, or cream. (Note: the substitution might cost extra.)
"Dunkin' is proud to stand apart as the brand that democratizes trends and finds new and innovative ways to keep Americans running," said Jill Nelson, vice president of marketing strategy at Dunkin', in a statement. "Bringing Planet Oat Oatmilk to Dunkin' locations across the country is another way we are reinforcing our commitment to providing guests with more choices to customize their favorite coffee and espresso drinks."
Sounds good to us. Oat milk is available at Dunkin' stores starting today!
DUNKIN HAS OAT MILK NOW WHAAAAAAT pic.twitter.com/U8UwqmBwZp
- Jenn Faynberg (@jennfaynberg) August 19, 2020
Why You Shouldn't Put Stock in Reports That Some Blood Types May Be Spared by COVID-19
It's become evident over the past several months that the body's reaction to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is quite varied, with some people experiencing only mild symptoms (or no symptoms at all) and others becoming gravely ill. As for why that range is so wide? You may have heard that it could potentially come down to blood type. "Early reports out of China suggested blood type A predicted a poorer outcome from COVID-19," David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR.
However, studies since then have been mixed at best. "One retrospective review showed no significant connection between blood type and worsening of the disease," including important markers like the need for hospitalization, Dr. Cutler explained. "An intriguing finding from the study was that there appeared to be a greater chance of people with blood types B and AB who were Rh positive testing positive for the virus," he continued. "Even stronger evidence was assembled by the team that symptomatic people with blood type O were less likely to test positive." Once again, though, Dr. Cutler cautioned that correlation does not imply causation.
Daniel Devine, MD, a dual-board-certified internist and geriatrician and cofounder of Devine Concierge Medicine, agreed. "In this study, sample size was relatively small at 483 hospitalized patients and 1,289 total COVID-positive patients who had a blood type documented," Dr. Devine told POPSUGAR. "We need to see more studies with larger numbers of patients to have a better idea if infection rate is increased with certain blood types."
Dr. Cutler added that the research that had previously emerged about blood types and COVID-19 had other limitations. "There are many flaws and biases in these studies," he said. For example, "some studies used blood donors as a comparison group to the COVID-19 patients to look at blood type frequency when COVID-19 is not present. However, it is well known that a disproportionate number of blood donors are type O, as this is the most widely acceptable type of blood for transfusion." Bottom line: early reports aren't conclusive clinical data, and it may be a while before we have the large-scale, long-term studies that would allow experts to draw firm conclusions.
Is There Anything We Can Take Away From These Studies?
"Due to lack of association between blood type and rates of hospitalization, intubation, or death, I feel it is premature to put too much stock in the topic for now," Dr. Devine said. "This newly identified distinction in infection rate between blood types may be a piece of the larger puzzle of COVID-19. It is a starting point for more research into why the virus overexcites the immune system and why the virus causes blood clots in some people and not others."
If anything, the lack of clear answers is an important reminder that we all need to do our best to follow the guidelines issued by experts and be considerate of immunocompromised and at-risk populations. "Other risk factors seem to play a far bigger role in determining outcome from COVID-19, like age. And there are many known risk factors that can be controlled, like smoking and vaping," Dr. Cutler said. "If these dangerous habits are avoided, outcomes would improve. And no blood type assures complete protection from COVID-19 - however, staying six feet away from people, washing your hands, and wearing a mask are proven to offer excellent protection."
Natasha Bhuyan, MD, family physician and regional medical director at One Medical, agreed. "Since we can't change our own blood type, there isn't much use being worried," Dr. Bhuyan told POPSUGAR. "Instead, we should focus on what we can control when it comes to COVID-19: stay at home when you can, wear a mask when you go out, practice good hand hygiene, and stay six feet away from others."
The First Snowfall, Pumpkin Spice, and 39 Other Things We Can Still Look Forward to in 2020
2020 has been an unpredictable year, but the best thing we can do is look ahead. The fall and winter hold a lot of key traditions, holidays, and activities that we hold dear to our hearts, and while some may look a little different, it doesn't mean we can't still have fun! Think of roasting marshmallows over a fire, turning on your favorite holiday music, or better yet, the feeling you get after the first snowfall. It's the little things that get us excited for the seasons to come. Bookmark this list and refer to it on the days you're feeling down, or better yet, print it out and hang it on your wall for inspiration. The year's not over yet, so we might as well make the best of it! Here are all of the comforting things we can still look forward to in 2020.
David Henrie Reveals What a Wizards of Waverly Place Reboot Would Look Like, and We're Intrigued
Ever since Wizards of Waverly Place hit Disney+, we've been craving a reboot, and it sounds like the cast is just as excited about returning to their magical roots. During an interview with POPSUGAR about his upcoming film This Is the Year, David Henrie admitted that he's actually talked with his former costars Selena Gomez and Jake T. Austin about reviving the show. Though they haven't made anything official, they do have a pretty good idea of where their characters would be now.
"We think all of them have gone off and started doing their own thing," he explained. "So Justin is the head of WizTech and he's probably got a wife and tons of kids. And [Alex] is off in the Wizard World being a fashionista and is probably like the Meryl Streep in Devil Wears Prada of the fashion world. And then you have Max. He's probably a sub shop conglomerate. He's like the Subway of sub shops now. It'd be an interesting place to start [a reboot] off there. It'd be interesting to start the family off there, because although we've all grown and succeeded, we've forgotten how to be a family again. So it'd be a great arc for a season if we had to learn how to be a family again."
The hit Disney Channel series, which centered around a family of wizards living in NYC, ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012. In the series finale, Alex (Gomez) is named the family wizard, while Justin (Henrie) takes on a job as the new Headmaster of WizTech and Max (Austin) takes over the family business by running the sub shop. While Henrie admitted that the cast often reminisces about their time on the show, filming the finale was especially emotional. "The end of the show was one that we always talk about because me, Selena and Jake were all tearing up and crying and we realized it was the end of high school for us where we all say goodbye. So that was a very sad moment for all of us."
"It really makes me feel very humbled and grateful to have been a part of something that makes people smile."
Over the years, the show's fanbase has stayed strong, which is something that Henrie is really appreciative of. "It's the best feeling ever, because I didn't anticipate it when we were making the show," he said. "Even as the show was going on, you have no idea what impact it's making on people. Yes, people would come up to you and say hi and want a picture, but no one came up to me when we were making the show like, 'This has such a positive impact on my life, it's one of my best memories.' Now people are saying that to me, 'You're my childhood.' It really makes me feel very humbled and grateful to have been a part of something that makes people smile. I'm very grateful to have been able to do that. It'd be like if I got to meet one of the Mighty Ducks. That was my favorite movie. Anytime I think of it, I just smile and it's a warm memory for me. So I really do feel incredibly grateful to have been in something that makes people feel good inside."
Henrie has even been able to share the show with his 1-year-old daughter Pia. "My wife's put it on for fun and she hears my voice and runs to the TV screen and then will look at me confused and then back at the screen confused," he said. "So she definitely knows it's me she'll say, 'Papa, papa,' but she just doesn't quite get it yet, but she will sit and watch the show. She will absolutely sit and watch it if I'm not there."
Oat Milk Is Officially at Dunkin' Donuts, So We'll Take a Dairy-Free Iced Latte, Please
Want your latte with a plant-based twist? Good news: Dunkin' Donuts is officially bringing oat milk to stores nationwide, and you'll be able to sub it into any beverage your heart desires, including the drinks on the freshly announced fall menu - which, yes, means pumpkin spice lattes. Pumpkin spice with oat milk is a winning combination if we've ever heard one.
More on the news: Dunkin' partnered with Planet Oat to produce the oat milk, which will be available in all stores in the US. It's debuting with a signature beverage, the Iced Oatmilk Latte, which Dunkin' described in a statement as a combo of "rich, handcrafted espresso and creamy oat milk." The brand actually started offering oat milk in California stores back in January and is now rolling them out coast to coast, to the delight of plant-based Dunkin' fans. Now, you can swap oat milk into any Dunkin' drink in place of milk, almond milk, or cream. (Note: the substitution might cost extra.)
"Dunkin' is proud to stand apart as the brand that democratizes trends and finds new and innovative ways to keep Americans running," said Jill Nelson, vice president of marketing strategy at Dunkin', in a statement. "Bringing Planet Oat Oatmilk to Dunkin' locations across the country is another way we are reinforcing our commitment to providing guests with more choices to customize their favorite coffee and espresso drinks."
Sounds good to us. Oat milk is available at Dunkin' stores starting today!
DUNKIN HAS OAT MILK NOW WHAAAAAAT pic.twitter.com/U8UwqmBwZp
- Jenn Faynberg (@jennfaynberg) August 19, 2020
This Chicago-Based Creator's 3D Art Showcases the Beauty of Black Hair
Tyler Clark is redefining what it means to bring art to life. The Chicago-based creator is known by her 90K+ Instagram followers for her stunning 3D artwork that incorporates real textured hair. Her work is so good that it's previously been shared (and purchased) by celebrities like Chance the Rapper and featured at high-profile events such as Miami's Art Basel.
Most of Clark's artwork is a love letter to Black women and the versatility of natural hair, and her pieces regularly feature portraits of Black women wearing a variety of hairstyles like box braids, Bantu knots, and locs. A former STEM major at both Spelman College and Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark got into painting and creating art as a way to relieve herself from the stress of her schoolwork.
"Art was therapeutic for me, and I wanted my art to be unique," she told POPSUGAR. "I love hair, and it was a great way for me to blend hair and painting."
Scrolling through her Instagram page, it's hard not to fall in love with her creations. Aside from them being relatable, they're another way for Black women to see themselves in another industry where they're largely underrepresented.
"It's important because it highlights the beauty in Black hair and it helps a lot with self-love."
"I think it's important because it highlights the beauty in Black hair and it helps a lot with self-love," she said. "It helps me to find beauty in my hair, and whoever looks at my artwork can feel connected as well."
Clark's pieces usually take around one month to finish, and several of them are currently available to purchase on her official website with and without hair. Check them out ahead.
I'm Worried About My Kids Returning to School - but I'm Concerned For Teachers, Too
If there's one thing I've learned from homeschooling these past few months, it's that teachers don't get enough credit. They carry far more weight on their shoulders than I realized, and there's no doubt in my mind that they don't get the thanks they deserve - especially amid the chaos of a pandemic. As our school district prepares to reopen for the 2020-21 school year, of course I'm worried about what school will look like for my kids, but I'm concerned about their teachers, too.
None of us signed up for the current school situation we find ourselves in - the uncertainty, the unpredictable schedules, the mask debate, the social-distancing requirements, the fear of being attacked by a virus that has already victimized so many, and the constant worry about who's going to be next. But where our family has been given a choice in how we'd like to approach the upcoming school year, our teachers have not. When schools reopen, teachers in our district will be required to return regardless of the personal risks that may be involved for themselves or their families.
But instead of supporting the educators who are doing the best they can for our children under impossible circumstances, there's been so much criticism. I've heard accusations of laziness, that teachers just don't want to do their job. But from what I've seen, teachers are working harder than they ever have. They are implementing endless requirements and protocols that have never existed before. They are completing in-person learning plans as well as online learning plans - and then executing both, sometimes simultaneously. They are preparing for interruptions in learning and doing their darndest to help students catch up on what they may have missed during a tumultuous spring semester. But somehow, that all doesn't seem to be enough.
On top of that, I've even heard it said that if teachers don't want to return to school in the midst of pandemic-created havoc, they can choose to quit their jobs. But quitting a job you're experienced in, one that you love and are good at during an economic downturn? Losing your income when the job market is arguably the worst it's been in years? Well, that's not really a choice, is it?
It's interesting that the ones who directly serve our children seem to have so little say in how to go about doing so. How can the requests, opinions, and perspectives of people who actually work in the classroom be overlooked? For example, our local school district isn't requiring masks, and there are many teachers who are understandably upset about this. But again, their input has been criticized and seemingly brushed off, and the overarching decision hasn't changed.
Additionally, there's been so much talk about the mental health of our children declining due to social distancing and lack of normalcy, which is no doubt a valid concern. But I'm also concerned about the mental health of our teachers. It seems like they are being expected to do more than their share despite limited resources, limited time, ever-changing requirements, day-to-day uncertainty, and the ongoing health concerns for themselves and everyone around them. How can they carry the stress of it all on their shoulders without it negatively impacting their mental health?
We rely on teachers to keep our kids safe, and I've no doubt they have our children's best interests at heart. But how can they do so when a pandemic continues to rage? Honestly, after multiple spikes in anxiety, I've come to peace with the idea of sending my kids back to school this year, at least for the time being. I don't at all expect this year to be smooth or problem-free, but I trust that our teachers are doing their best. However, when the inevitable outbreaks of COVID-19 hit and schools have to change everything once again, I worry that our teachers are going to be held responsible for something that is completely out of their control. And that's not right.
No one knows exactly how this school year is going to play out. It's going to be rough for all of us, including our teachers. Our families have different needs, as do our children. And while the same might go for teachers, I hope we can all agree that they need our support. Because their lives and livelihoods are in just as much upheaval as ours, maybe even more, and we need to work with them, not against them.
Why You Shouldn't Put Stock in Reports That Some Blood Types May Be Spared by COVID-19
It's become evident over the past several months that the body's reaction to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is quite varied, with some people experiencing only mild symptoms (or no symptoms at all) and others becoming gravely ill. As for why that range is so wide? You may have heard that it could potentially come down to blood type. "Early reports out of China suggested blood type A predicted a poorer outcome from COVID-19," David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR.
However, studies since then have been mixed at best. "One retrospective review showed no significant connection between blood type and worsening of the disease," including important markers like the need for hospitalization, Dr. Cutler explained. "An intriguing finding from the study was that there appeared to be a greater chance of people with blood types B and AB who were Rh positive testing positive for the virus," he continued. "Even stronger evidence was assembled by the team that symptomatic people with blood type O were less likely to test positive." Once again, though, Dr. Cutler cautioned that correlation does not imply causation.
Daniel Devine, MD, a dual-board-certified internist and geriatrician and cofounder of Devine Concierge Medicine, agreed. "In this study, sample size was relatively small at 483 hospitalized patients and 1,289 total COVID-positive patients who had a blood type documented," Dr. Devine told POPSUGAR. "We need to see more studies with larger numbers of patients to have a better idea if infection rate is increased with certain blood types."
Dr. Cutler added that the research that had previously emerged about blood types and COVID-19 had other limitations. "There are many flaws and biases in these studies," he said. For example, "some studies used blood donors as a comparison group to the COVID-19 patients to look at blood type frequency when COVID-19 is not present. However, it is well known that a disproportionate number of blood donors are type O, as this is the most widely acceptable type of blood for transfusion." Bottom line: early reports aren't conclusive clinical data, and it may be a while before we have the large-scale, long-term studies that would allow experts to draw firm conclusions.
Is There Anything We Can Take Away From These Studies?
"Due to lack of association between blood type and rates of hospitalization, intubation, or death, I feel it is premature to put too much stock in the topic for now," Dr. Devine said. "This newly identified distinction in infection rate between blood types may be a piece of the larger puzzle of COVID-19. It is a starting point for more research into why the virus overexcites the immune system and why the virus causes blood clots in some people and not others."
If anything, the lack of clear answers is an important reminder that we all need to do our best to follow the guidelines issued by experts and be considerate of immunocompromised and at-risk populations. "Other risk factors seem to play a far bigger role in determining outcome from COVID-19, like age. And there are many known risk factors that can be controlled, like smoking and vaping," Dr. Cutler said. "If these dangerous habits are avoided, outcomes would improve. And no blood type assures complete protection from COVID-19 - however, staying six feet away from people, washing your hands, and wearing a mask are proven to offer excellent protection."
Natasha Bhuyan, MD, family physician and regional medical director at One Medical, agreed. "Since we can't change our own blood type, there isn't much use being worried," Dr. Bhuyan told POPSUGAR. "Instead, we should focus on what we can control when it comes to COVID-19: stay at home when you can, wear a mask when you go out, practice good hand hygiene, and stay six feet away from others."
Take a (Virtual) Seat Next to Meghan Markle at the When All Women Vote #CouchParty
It's been 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, and we're ready to celebrate by making sure that women's voices are heard in the 2020 election. Thankfully, When We All Vote and Meghan Markle are making that easier by hosting a virtual #CouchParty with the goal of registering 300,000 eligible women voters. The #CouchParty will kick off with a conversation between Meghan Markle, When We All Vote Board Chair and United State of Women Co-Chair Valerie Jarrett, and Glamour Magazine Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry, and more. After the conversation, volunteers will text eligible voters while listening to a live set from Philly's DJ Diamond Kuts.
To volunteer, RSVP here, then join the fun on Thursday, August 20 at 5:00pm ET. When We All Vote has already reached over 600,000 potential voters through past #CouchParties with DJ D-Nice and we're ready to help them reach even more. We can't think of a better way to celebrate 100 years of voting rights than making sure that every woman exercises that right.
Grab Your Glass Slippers - This Cinderella-Inspired Dress Collection Is a Dream Come True
While the statement gowns Disney princesses wore in our favorite childhood films were sparkly, gorgeous, and oh-so-dreamy, they weren't exactly the most wearable designs for an occasion today. Luckily, designer Lirika Matoshi recently teamed up with Disney to create a collection of beautiful dresses that ooze the glitz and glam of a princess, but embody the modern silhouettes and details of contemporary fashion.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney's Cinderella, Lirika designed a unique, ethereal collaboration featuring four fabulous dresses made of tulle and mesh, with beautiful cloud and ribbon details fit for a princess. "I was inspired to recreate modern Cinderella using colors inspired by the dreamy nature settings of the movie," Lirika explained in an Instagram post announcing the collaboration. "I used lots of tulle ruffles inspired by the dramatic puffy dresses the characters wear."
If you tried to get your hands on the viral strawberry dress made famous by TikTok, you might be familiar with Lirika's whimsical designs and flattering fits that fall in line with this Cinderella collection. The four pieces are currently available for pre-order in prices ranging from $520 to $1,500, and expected to drop late August. You can sign up for the listings on the Lirika Matoshi website to get notified to purchase the collection. In the meantime, take a closer look at the intricate, embellished designs ahead and prepare to swoon.
Excuse My French, but Every Chloe x Halle Virtual Performance Has Been Top-Tier Queen Sh*t
I'm going to just lay it all out there: Chloe x Halle have completely raised the bar when it comes to performances. The musical duo have taken the challenge of pulling off virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a bona-fide art. While some artists have used the experience as a way to illustrate their vocals - which can get drowned out with all the pomp of award shows and additional ceremony for live performances - the sisters have turned their home into an ever-changing stage that emphasizes their flawless voices and showcases their insane musical abilities. Each performance boasts a different rendition of a fan-favorite tune from the duo's sophomore album, Ungodly Hour, which speaks to how gifted they truly are. But if you don't believe me (which I already know you do because you have ears, but indulge me), scroll ahead for a roundup of all the virtual performances the sisters have put on during their stay at home.
David Henrie Reveals What a Wizards of Waverly Place Reboot Would Look Like, and We're Intrigued
Ever since Wizards of Waverly Place hit Disney+, we've been craving a reboot, and it sounds like the cast is just as excited about returning to their magical roots. During an interview with POPSUGAR about his upcoming film This Is the Year, David Henrie admitted that he's actually talked with his former costars Selena Gomez and Jake T. Austin about reviving the show. Though they haven't made anything official, they do have a pretty good idea of where their characters would be now.
"We think all of them have gone off and started doing their own thing," he explained. "So Justin is the head of WizTech and he's probably got a wife and tons of kids. And [Alex] is off in the Wizard World being a fashionista and is probably like the Meryl Streep in Devil Wears Prada of the fashion world. And then you have Max. He's probably a sub shop conglomerate. He's like the Subway of sub shops now. It'd be an interesting place to start [a reboot] off there. It'd be interesting to start the family off there, because although we've all grown and succeeded, we've forgotten how to be a family again. So it'd be a great arc for a season if we had to learn how to be a family again."
The hit Disney Channel series, which centered around a family of wizards living in NYC, ran for four seasons from 2007 to 2012. In the series finale, Alex (Gomez) is named the family wizard, while Justin (Henrie) takes on a job as the new Headmaster of WizTech and Max (Austin) takes over the family business by running the sub shop. While Henrie admitted that the cast often reminisces about their time on the show, filming the finale was especially emotional. "The end of the show was one that we always talk about because me, Selena and Jake were all tearing up and crying and we realized it was the end of high school for us where we all say goodbye. So that was a very sad moment for all of us."
"It really makes me feel very humbled and grateful to have been a part of something that makes people smile."
Over the years, the show's fanbase has stayed strong, which is something that Henrie is really appreciative of. "It's the best feeling ever, because I didn't anticipate it when we were making the show," he said. "Even as the show was going on, you have no idea what impact it's making on people. Yes, people would come up to you and say hi and want a picture, but no one came up to me when we were making the show like, 'This has such a positive impact on my life, it's one of my best memories.' Now people are saying that to me, 'You're my childhood.' It really makes me feel very humbled and grateful to have been a part of something that makes people smile. I'm very grateful to have been able to do that. It'd be like if I got to meet one of the Mighty Ducks. That was my favorite movie. Anytime I think of it, I just smile and it's a warm memory for me. So I really do feel incredibly grateful to have been in something that makes people feel good inside."
Henrie has even been able to share the show with his 1-year-old daughter Pia. "My wife's put it on for fun and she hears my voice and runs to the TV screen and then will look at me confused and then back at the screen confused," he said. "So she definitely knows it's me she'll say, 'Papa, papa,' but she just doesn't quite get it yet, but she will sit and watch the show. She will absolutely sit and watch it if I'm not there."
Excuse My French, but Every Chloe x Halle Virtual Performance Has Been Top-Tier Queen Sh*t
I'm going to just lay it all out there: Chloe x Halle have completely raised the bar when it comes to performances. The musical duo have taken the challenge of pulling off virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a bona-fide art. While some artists have used the experience as a way to illustrate their vocals - which can get drowned out with all the pomp of award shows and additional ceremony for live performances - the sisters have turned their home into an ever-changing stage that emphasizes their flawless voices and showcases their insane musical abilities. Each performance boasts a different rendition of a fan-favorite tune from the duo's sophomore album, Ungodly Hour, which speaks to how gifted they truly are. But if you don't believe me (which I already know you do because you have ears, but indulge me), scroll ahead for a roundup of all the virtual performances the sisters have put on during their stay at home.
mercredi 19 août 2020
I Stopped Checking My Phone Immediately After Waking Up, and It Transformed My Mornings
What's the first thing you do when you wake up? No, I mean the very first thing you do when you wake up? If your answer is check your phone, you're not alone. I, too, used to compulsively look through my texts, social media feeds, and various notifications before even getting out of bed or putting on my glasses. This almost obsessive scrolling took up the first 10 to 20 minutes of my mornings for years, until just recently.
You may be wondering what exactly I do after I wake up if it's not checking my phone. Well, after I've taken a few sips of water, opened a window to let some natural light into my room, and taken a dropper full of the CBD tincture I keep right next to my bed, I meditate. Depending on how grounded or distracted I feel that morning, I will either meditate on my own or follow a guided practice. I have anxiety, and because a symptom is the seemingly endless stream of thoughts circling around in my head, I sometimes wake up already feeling stressed out and somewhat absent from the world around me. These mornings, I find it helpful to follow a quick, 10-minute guided meditation, which I listen to by using a mindfulness app like Sanvello, Insight Timer, or Smiling Mind.
If I'm feeling particularly clearheaded, though, I'll try to meditate on my own for as long as I feel comfortable. When meditating without a guide, I find it most effective to focus on taking deep breaths to pull my attention away from my thoughts. When thoughts do appear (which they always do), I acknowledge them and then let them go, imagining that they're either a bubble popping or a cloud floating out of my frame of view after I have given them a moment of attention.
In the past, I wasn't someone who was a huge fan of meditation, as I could never get myself to sit still and focus with the overwhelming number of thoughts that race around my mind. The first couple of times I tried it, I definitely struggled with this, but as meditation has become a more consistent part of my day-to-day life, it's gotten much easier to peacefully sit with, acknowledge, and then release my thoughts. I've found that simply being with myself for several minutes, even if I sometimes am easily distracted during that time, is extremely therapeutic and helps me begin and move through my days with a clear mind rather than one that's tangled in a web of never-ending thoughts and scenarios.
Once I feel calm and satisfied with my meditation practice, I grab my journal and a pencil from my bedside table and fill out what I call a "daily gratitude entry." In this entry, I answer three prompts: What am I grateful for today? What can I do that would make today even better? What affirmations do I need today? I usually respond to each question with three bullet points. For example, I might write, "I am grateful for my health," "I am grateful for my support system," and "I am grateful for the opportunity to get an education."
Each of these three questions helps me prepare for the day ahead in various ways. For one thing, focusing on what I'm grateful for helps me begin my day feeling positively about life and excited for what's to come rather than dreading it. Following this up with a list of things that I can do to improve how the day turns out - such as spending time outside - allows me to create intentions that will guide me through the day and establish a much-needed sense of control over my life that I often feel is lacking when I'm anxious. Lastly, by seeking and receiving validation through positive affirmations about my strength, talent, or even beauty, I remind myself not only of these features, but also, once again, of the fact that I am in control of my life, which helps me feel more secure and confident throughout the day.
These practices, which collectively only take up 15 to 20 minutes, seem almost too simple to have positively affected me as much as they have, but there is no denying that my mental health has improved.
I don't check my phone until I've finished these practices. Sometimes, I'll try to prolong this wait even more - usually until after I've made breakfast - but completing a meditation and journal entry before I begin my scrolling is absolutely mandatory for me. As a 20-year-old living in the digital age, it's almost guaranteed that my phone will be full of news updates, emails, and horoscope predictions for that day each and every morning. Even if some of these notifications don't necessarily affect me personally, looking through all of them can still be a stressful experience, especially if I'm doing it within a minute or two of waking up. Postponing that process until I've taken the time I need to fully wake up and practice some sort of mindfulness has been extremely effective in reducing my anxiety and increasing my happiness and productivity.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for most of my life, I've been encouraged to try meditation and journaling time and time again, but I never took either too seriously until about a month ago, and I'm so glad I did. These practices, which collectively only take up 15 to 20 minutes, seem almost too simple to have positively affected me as much as they have, but there's no denying that my mental health has improved since I first added them to my morning routine. I'm more productive, clearheaded, and intentional throughout the day.
Even if the idea of not looking at your phone until 20 minutes or so after waking up seems uncomfortable at first, I highly encourage everyone to try it at least once in combination with some sort of meditation or journaling. While our phones can often serve as a distraction from the stress and negativity of the outside world, it's important to be able to disconnect from them and connect with ourselves, which my morning routine is helping me get better at each and every day.
75+ Popular Furniture Pieces So Stunning, They Can Hardly Stay in Stock
If you're feeling like revamping your home, there's no need to shell out a ton cash on a full remodel. You can simply upgrade your home by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will that will make it feel like new overnight. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work and uncovered 65 seriously good finds from places like Amazon, All Modern, Wayfair, and even cool direct-to-consumer brands like Floyd and Article.
From comfortable sofas to space-saving tables and seriously stylish bed frames, it will be hard to not want to redo your entire home. Keep reading to shop our favorites and your home the refresh it needs.
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