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 25 septembre 2020
Surprise! Billie Lourd Just Welcomed a Baby Boy With Fiancé Austen Rydell
Billie Lourd is a mom! The American Horror Story actress recently welcomed her first child with fiancé Austen Rydell, she announced on her Instagram Thursday night. The 28-year-old shared a photo of the baby's adorable feet with the caption, "👑💙👑Introducing: 💙👑💙Kingston Fisher Lourd Rydell💙👑💙." The news comes just three months after Austen announced the two were engaged in an Instagram post. "💍💍💍She said YES!!" he wrote then. While the pair first dated when they were younger, they reconnected again in 2017 and have been together ever since. Congratulations to the happy couple! Check out Billie's sweet announcement below.
Netflix's Ratched May Be a Mystery, but Its Vintage Setting Is on Full Display
While Netflix's new series Ratched is filled with secrets, its setting is one of the few things that isn't a mystery. The show - which is a prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - follows Nurse Mildred Ratched as she seeks employment at a Northern California psychiatric hospital and is primarily set in 1947. This is seen in everything from the clothes the characters wear (including both the gorgeous outfits of Sharon Stone's Lenore Osgood and the nurse's uniform of Sarah Paulson's Mildred) to the references peppered throughout.
The only time the series departs from the year 1947 is during character flashbacks or a flashforward in the final episode. In the flashbacks, we're sent to the Great Depression and the end of WWII as we learn of Mildred's upbringing and her eventual dismissal from the army. Ratched then ends in Mexico in 1950, as Mildred seemingly gets her happy ending. This suggests that season two will likely be set in 1950, with potential future seasons ending before the setting of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
64 Hot Couples Halloween Costume Ideas That Are Sinfully Sexy
Halloween is notorious for bringing out the sexy in all of us, so why not let your significant other join in on the action? We've rounded up some of the most romantic (and maybe even a little raunchy) couples costumes out there. From sexy classics like mermaids and sailors to pop culture pairs like Danny and Sandy, you really can't go wrong with the options here. Get creative with your partner in crime this year, and add some sex appeal to your celebrations with these outfit ideas. They'll make this sinful holiday even more tempting.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Lauren Harano
This Easy, Comfortable Fall Outfit Is the Alternative to Your Classic Jeans
This season, we're really only interested in wearing things that are comfortable and make us feel good. Enter the sweater dress. It's cozy, practical, and an outfit in and of itself. You can wear it to work, out to dinner, or just lying around the house. Talk about versatile. If you're interested in some new fall outfit inspiration, look no further.
These are the 27 sweater dresses we're loving right now. Some of them are sleek and sophisticated, some are fun and cozy, and some are just downright sexy, and honestly, we want them all. The sweater dress is poised to be your closet all-star, so we understand if you want to stock up. Once you try one, you'll never go back, so just keep reading to shop our picks!
64 Hot Couples Halloween Costume Ideas That Are Sinfully Sexy
Halloween is notorious for bringing out the sexy in all of us, so why not let your significant other join in on the action? We've rounded up some of the most romantic (and maybe even a little raunchy) couples costumes out there. From sexy classics like mermaids and sailors to pop culture pairs like Danny and Sandy, you really can't go wrong with the options here. Get creative with your partner in crime this year, and add some sex appeal to your celebrations with these outfit ideas. They'll make this sinful holiday even more tempting.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Lauren Harano
Meet Cuerpa: The Latinx-Owned Beauty Brand That'll Make You Reconsider Face Oil
As a person with an oily T-zone, I've always thought it was silly to use facial oils on my skin type - why put the same product on your face that you'd otherwise deem a problem? That's until I tried a few that managed to keep my skin hydrated sans the uncomfortable, greasy feeling I'd previously anticipated. One of them is an anti-aging oil I received from Cuerpa, a Latinx-owned clean beauty brand that deserves to be on everyone's radar.
Stemming from the Spanish word "cuerpo," which means "body," Cuerpa was founded by Edwin Jimenez Casanova. The brand is mostly known for its face oils, although there are a handful of other body and lip products in its lineup. One of the first things I noticed when I came across the brand is that its aesthetic is pretty similar to that of Herbivore Botanicals with its minimalist packaging and colorful products, but the products themselves are quite different.
Among Cuerpa's collection is a trio of face oils: the Soleil Du Désert Anti-Aging Facial Oil, the Terre Bleue Balancing Facial Oil, and the Déesse de La Forêt Revitalizing Facial Oil. The anti-aging oil in particular is meant to make the skin look more youthful and glowy while also keeping it nice and hydrated, and from my experience, it definitely got the job done.
If you're often drawn to clean-looking, colorful bottles that look pretty on your vanity table - but want to try something new while supporting a Latinx-owned beauty brand - consider trying Cuerpa. Shop the brand's face oils ahead.
The "Swoop" Hairstyle is the 2000s Trend Making a Major Comeback This Season
Rihanna. Selena Gomez. Zac Efron. All incomparable individuals who have, at one point, shared a singular thing in common: "swoop" bangs. (OK so they can each also sing, act, and probably have impeccable skin-care routines, but this story isn't about them.) Anyway, you couldn't walk to the nearest Starbucks in a Juicy Couture tracksuit without seeing the hairstyle everywhere in the early 2000s - and, if you believe the pros, it will be making a comeback this fall.
"After months without a bang trim, I can see short bangs becoming a 'swoop bang,' bringing the side part back to center stage and replacing the center part," said Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, celebrity hairstylist and Unite brand ambassador. Like an exaggerated side bang, the swoop also works on any hair length and "looks great with short to long layers."
To style, Ramirez recommends applying a blow-dry cream - one that smooths frizz and flyaways - to damp hair, then use a round brush to blow out the long bangs into the soft style. (Or skip the blow-drier completely and sweep to the side of your ponytail.) It's versatile, easy, early aughts-approved, and it's not going anywhere soon. Proof below that this is a hairstyle trend with staying power.
Saturday Night Live Is Back For Season 46 With 3 New Players - See Who's in the Cast!
Saturday Night Live is officially back for laughs with season 46! And yes, the late-night comedy sketch show will be taped at Studio 8H in New York City starting Oct. 3, even though the last three episodes of season 45 were filmed remotely. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, things will look a little different this time around, with safety precautions closely overseen by Governor Andrew Cuomo's team.
The cast itself has changed up as well, with three new featured players. Joining seasoned cast members like Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson are Andrew Dismukes, Lauren Holt, and Punkie Johnson. This brings Saturday Night Live to a whopping cast of 20 overall (and that's not even including Jim Carrey, who will appear as Joe Biden). Just in case you were wondering how long everyone's been around, we've done the research for you. If you're curious about who's officially gracing the stage this season and how many years they've been on Saturday Night Live, we've rounded up each and every cast member ahead!
Meet Cuerpa: The Latinx-Owned Beauty Brand That'll Make You Reconsider Face Oil
As a person with an oily T-zone, I've always thought it was silly to use facial oils on my skin type - why put the same product on your face that you'd otherwise deem a problem? That's until I tried a few that managed to keep my skin hydrated sans the uncomfortable, greasy feeling I'd previously anticipated. One of them is an anti-aging oil I received from Cuerpa, a Latinx-owned clean beauty brand that deserves to be on everyone's radar.
Stemming from the Spanish word "cuerpo," which means "body," Cuerpa was founded by Edwin Jimenez Casanova. The brand is mostly known for its face oils, although there are a handful of other body and lip products in its lineup. One of the first things I noticed when I came across the brand is that its aesthetic is pretty similar to that of Herbivore Botanicals with its minimalist packaging and colorful products, but the products themselves are quite different.
Among Cuerpa's collection is a trio of face oils: the Soleil Du Désert Anti-Aging Facial Oil, the Terre Bleue Balancing Facial Oil, and the Déesse de La Forêt Revitalizing Facial Oil. The anti-aging oil in particular is meant to make the skin look more youthful and glowy while also keeping it nice and hydrated, and from my experience, it definitely got the job done.
If you're often drawn to clean-looking, colorful bottles that look pretty on your vanity table - but want to try something new while supporting a Latinx-owned beauty brand - consider trying Cuerpa. Shop the brand's face oils ahead.
The "Swoop" Hairstyle is the 2000s Trend Making a Major Comeback This Season
Rihanna. Selena Gomez. Zac Efron. All incomparable individuals who have, at one point, shared a singular thing in common: "swoop" bangs. (OK so they can each also sing, act, and probably have impeccable skin-care routines, but this story isn't about them.) Anyway, you couldn't walk to the nearest Starbucks in a Juicy Couture tracksuit without seeing the hairstyle everywhere in the early 2000s - and, if you believe the pros, it will be making a comeback this fall.
"After months without a bang trim, I can see short bangs becoming a 'swoop bang,' bringing the side part back to center stage and replacing the center part," said Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, celebrity hairstylist and Unite brand ambassador. Like an exaggerated side bang, the swoop also works on any hair length and "looks great with short to long layers."
To style, Ramirez recommends applying a blow-dry cream - one that smooths frizz and flyaways - to damp hair, then use a round brush to blow out the long bangs into the soft style. (Or skip the blow-drier completely and sweep to the side of your ponytail.) It's versatile, easy, early aughts-approved, and it's not going anywhere soon. Proof below that this is a hairstyle trend with staying power.
How Supermajority's Jess Morales Rocketto Stays in the Fight - and How You Can, Too
If you're having any trouble maintaining your enthusiasm for politics lately, let me introduce you to Jess Morales Rocketto. The organizer, advocate, and one of the cofounders of nonprofit Supermajority is gearing up for the organization's Supercharge: Women All In event on Saturday, Sept. 26, and she is amped. "I love a good pep rally, and this going to be like the best election pep rally there ever was," she told POPSUGAR.
"You gotta eat your vegetables, you gotta exercise, and you gotta do some phone banking."
That pep rally - which boasts big names like Sen. Kamala Harris, Jane Fonda, and Eva Longoria - is part of a seriously ambitious goal: to get one million women involved in sending texts, making calls, writing letters, and "putting it all out on the line" to get out the vote this year. And if anyone is putting it all out on the line, it's Rocketto. She's worked for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's presidential campaigns and the Democratic National Committee, and in addition to her role at Supermajority, she is currently the civic engagement director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and executive director of Care in Action. (Whew!) But the whole point of Supermajority, which is laser-focused on mobilizing women to activism and voting, is that you don't need to have a political-science degree or a stacked résumé in government to make a difference. You just need life experience, passion, and the right tools.
"What I don't want people to do is wake up on the morning in Nov. 4 and know that they could have done something and they didn't do it," Rocketto said. "And I think in 2016, a lot of people woke up feeling like that." If you were one of those people - or just want to help prevent more people from feeling that way in 2020 - read on. Rocketto's take on maintaining hope, preparing for this uncertain Election Day, and why making phone calls to voters from your living room really does have an impact is the dose of motivation we could all use right now.
POPSUGAR: Every day, this election just feels ever more critical, and so many of us were deeply impacted by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death. As an activist, advocate, and just as a human being, how did that impact you?
Jess Morales Rocketto: Multiple times a day I get asked, "How do you stay hopeful?" I think that sometimes people think I'm going to give, like, a grand, inspirational speech. But actually, I think it's just doing what RBG did: every single day, getting up and doing what it takes to continue to play the role that you were meant to play. In her case, it was Supreme Court Justice. I think for most people, it's going into the text bank and texting your little fingers off. Making a few phone calls, even though you're really introverted and it kind of makes you uncomfortable. Having a conversation about who your mom - who you love dearly, but is also very conservative - is voting for in the election. In [RBG]'s case, it was writing badass dissents of terrible Supreme Court decisions or getting in that workout so she could stay in top shape. That, to me, is just so inspiring.
PS: You've been at this work for a long time. But have you been surprised at your ability to be newly radicalized and galvanized over the last four years?
JMR: The answer is yes, constantly. I worked on Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential race. It was the honor of my life. And every single day since then, I have made a choice to wake up and try to reverse that loss. It was so painful. Sometimes people think grief goes away, the farther away the traumatic thing happened. But actually, for me, the grief increases the closer that we get to this [election]. Because I don't know how else to say it - this one is for all the marbles. There has never been a time in our country's history where it has mattered so much, where the threat of the destruction of our democracy was so present.
PS: I think that's really helpful to hear, because I think some people are under this illusion that organizers and activists have some sort of secret to staying hopeful.
JMR: I'm a person who interacts with the very worst parts of our administration and what they're doing on behalf of our government. It's very difficult every single day. It requires incredible resilience. And also it's very painful, all the time. And at the same time, my number one job is to stay hopeful and to try to transmit that hope into other people. I truly believe that's core at what an organizer does. So if I can do it, anyone can do it. Because most people don't get up close with children who have been separated from their families. Or to tell a room of a hundred people the story of their abortion, which I have done many, many times. And so it is deeply involved and personal. I cry, as you see, in every interview that I do. And part of that is because it is hard to do this every day, all the time. I don't have some secret superpower. It's just a choice that we're continuously making.
PS: You started Supermajority as a grassroots, tell-your-friends sort of effort, albeit with some ambitious goals. What's something that's surprised you, or been refreshing or unexpected, as it's grown to what it is today?
JMR: I'm really excited that there are people who want to engage their community but also want to understand how to do it better. That is totally, totally awesome. And when we started building this, we had a vision as a multigenerational, multiracial community. And I think we have seen that come to life. It's awesome to have the 75-year-old lady who's been at this since she did it in the '60s. Then we have a 25-year-old Black woman from the South who's just getting into this and learning. I think both of those people sharing and learning from one another refreshes me so much. Because there is a lot for each of those people to learn and share. And I feel like I am learning and sharing right along with them.
PS: People sometimes get intimidated by making phone calls or even text banking. Are there any stories where people did it and it paid off in some rewarding, tangible way that you can float out there to inspire people?
JMR: Yeah. I will tell one of my best phone banking stories in my whole career. So on election night in 2010 - which was a very tight election - I was making calls into, believe it or not, Alaska. We were in the final, truly 15 minutes before polls close. And we're just leaving it all on the line, calling every single possible voter. I get on the phone, woman picks up, and I'm like, "Hey, have you voted yet?" She's like, "Actually, I haven't voted." I'm like, "Well, polls close in 15 minutes. You know that we're in a very competitive race and you are an important voter in this election." And she was like, "You know what, you're right. I could get there if I leave right now. But it's about 15 minutes away." And I was like, "Get in your car. I will look up your polling place. Walk to your car right now." And she did. She called me back later, very late at night. I picked up because I immediately recognized the Alaska number, and she was like, "I voted. I had to wait in line for a little while, but it was totally worth it." If you ever wondered, does it make a difference? It absolutely does make a difference. People will go to vote because you called them.
PS: I think people sometimes overestimate the work that other people are doing and putting in. But if you don't do it, who do you expect to be the person to do it? Right?
JMR: Say that 100 more times for the people in the back! It's true. I do think everybody thinks that somebody else is doing it. And the answer is, there are no saviors. No one else is going to do it for us. You gotta eat your vegetables, you gotta exercise, and you gotta do some phone banking.
PS: Looking forward, there's a lot of anxiety around all the potential outcomes of the election, and with mail-in voting, what that might mean for the election results being stalled. Is there any sort of message you're trying to get out to steel people for that, or to anticipate how we can continue this fight?
JMR: We'll definitely be discussing a little bit of that at the event on Saturday. We want to make sure people understand how to spot misinformation and have been doing a lot of training on that. One of the things that, to me, feels just so important to say to other women of color is: You can absolutely make the difference in this election, and you don't need a PhD to go out and vote. You have everything you need. You know about the issues because you experience them. You know about who it affects, because it is us. And voting could be hard. You may have to wait in line, you may have to make sure that ballot gets in - but it's 100 percent worth it.
Saturday Night Live Is Back For Season 46 With 3 New Players - See Who's in the Cast!
Saturday Night Live is officially back for laughs with season 46! And yes, the late-night comedy sketch show will be taped at Studio 8H in New York City starting Oct. 3, even though the last three episodes of season 45 were filmed remotely. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, things will look a little different this time around, with safety precautions closely overseen by Governor Andrew Cuomo's team.
The cast itself has changed up as well, with three new featured players. Joining seasoned cast members like Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson are Andrew Dismukes, Lauren Holt, and Punkie Johnson. This brings Saturday Night Live to a whopping cast of 20 overall (and that's not even including Jim Carrey, who will appear as Joe Biden). Just in case you were wondering how long everyone's been around, we've done the research for you. If you're curious about who's officially gracing the stage this season and how many years they've been on Saturday Night Live, we've rounded up each and every cast member ahead!
jeudi 24 septembre 2020
"Everyone's Story Matters" - Lady Gaga Discusses Mental Health and the Power of Kindness
Your mental health matters. This statement might seem obvious to some, but Lady Gaga and the Born This Way Foundation have created a community where those who struggle with their mental health can turn to for support any day and any time. During an exclusive discussion about her new book Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community, Gaga sat down with her mother Cynthia Bissett Germanotta and three of the book's young authors - Hanna Atkinson, Jessica Zhang, and Terrius Harris - to discuss the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and the power of kindness in helping yourself and others. "I believe that everyone's story matters and that we should listen to each other and communicate," Gaga said.
"These are young people coming together as a family, as a global community and saying, 'We can be kind. We can be kind together and we can tell our stories.'"
A mental health study published by the CDC on Aug. 14 shows that 25.5 percent of participants ages 18-24 had seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days. This alarming statistic gives some insight into the often unrecognized pain and internal suffering that so many people are facing as a result of varying life circumstances. During the discussion about the book, Gaga touched on the importance of finding role models beyond the pages of a book and taking the time to be there for those around you who have no one else to turn to.
"Some people don't have parents that can hear what you're saying," she said. "They don't have parents that are willing to listen. Some people don't have parents at all. So I encourage young people to build families in their local community, and I encourage them to celebrate their stories by sharing it with each other and creating a community, creating a culture around you where you can say, 'Hey, this is what I'm going through. What have you been through?'"
From a parent's perspective, Germanotta added that it's important to listen without judgment and tell your children about your own struggles, instead of putting up a facade and pretending everything is all right. "I think sitting down and starting to model a healthy conversation - listening, understanding without judgment - and just acknowledging that you also have had your own struggles is a good beginning," she said.
Gaga went on to add that fostering authentic relationships with your friends is the key to creating a support system where everyone benefits from each other's help. It's important to recognize the power you have in helping others and in acknowledging your own emotions, especially those that make you feel uncomfortable. Whether you enjoy yoga, meditation, art, or reading, find the skill that puts your mind at ease and use that to guide you on your journey to taking better care of your mental health.
"It's good to make sure that you reward yourself for every single thing that you do, because you're brave every day just for taking a breath, but you're braver when you try a little harder," Gaga said. "This is an act of not just love to the world, but this is an act of love to yourself, and you can be your own family and you can create your own family."
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
"Everyone's Story Matters" - Lady Gaga Discusses Mental Health and the Power of Kindness
Your mental health matters. This statement might seem obvious to some, but Lady Gaga and the Born This Way Foundation have created a community where those who struggle with their mental health can turn for support any day and any time. During an exclusive discussion about her new book Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community, Gaga sat down with her mother Cynthia Bissett Germanotta and three of the book's young authors - Hanna Atkinson, Jessica Zhang, and Terrius Harris - to discuss the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and the power of kindness in helping yourself and others. "I believe that everyone's story matters and that we should listen to each other and communicate," Gaga said.
"These are young people coming together as a family, as a global community and saying, 'We can be kind. We can be kind together and we can tell our stories.'"
A mental health study published by the CDC on Aug. 14 shows that 25.5 percent of participants ages 18-24 had seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days. This alarming statistic gives some insight into the often unrecognized pain and internal suffering that so many people are facing as a result of varying life circumstances. During the discussion about the book, Gaga touched on the importance of finding role models beyond the pages of a book and taking the time to be there for those around you who have no one else to turn to.
"Some people don't have parents that can hear what you're saying," she said. "They don't have parents that are willing to listen. Some people don't have parents at all. So I encourage young people to build families in their local community, and I encourage them to celebrate their stories by sharing it with each other and creating a community, creating a culture around you where you can say, 'Hey, this is what I'm going through. What have you been through?'"
Related: Lady Gaga's "911" Video Is a Powerful Statement About Mental Health: "It's the Poetry of Pain"
From a parent's perspective, Germanotta added that it's important to listen without judgement and tell your children about your own struggles, instead of putting up a facade and pretending everything is all right. "I think sitting down and starting to model a healthy conversation - listening, understanding without judgement - and just acknowledging that you also have had your own struggles is a good beginning," she said.
Gaga went on to add that fostering authentic relationships with your friends is the key to creating a support system where everyone benefits from each other's help. It's important to recognize the power you have in helping others and in acknowledging your own emotions, especially those that make you feel uncomfortable. Whether you enjoy yoga, meditation, art, or reading, find the skill that puts your mind at ease and use that to guide you on your journey to taking better care of your mental health.
"It's good to make sure that you reward yourself for every single thing that you do, because you're brave every day just for taking a breath, but you're braver when you try a little harder," Gaga said. "This is an act of not just love to the world, but this is an act of love to yourself, and you can be your own family and you can create your own family."
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
The Masked Singer: Breaking Down All Our Theories About Who Are Behind the Masks
The Masked Singer season four kicked off on Sept. 23, and the competition is super fierce this year. For the premiere, we were introduced to Group A, which included some impressive singers with some truly wacky costumes. Seriously, they have really outdone themselves this year. Of course, the best part of the show is trying to guess which celebrities are behind the masks. While the judges had a handful of smart guesses, we also have a few theories of our own. Keep reading for a breakdown of our thoughts as well as the first person who was unmasked below.
19 Sweaters Our Editors Are Actually Shopping This Fall
Fall, to us, means sweater season, and we're very much excited to indulge in chunky knits and cozy cardigans alike. Though our top fall clothing priorities have shifted, we're still shopping for sweaters. They're great investment pieces and also make for a fun, affordable, trend-driven purchase depending on what your looking for. Plus, a polished sweater still looks great with sweatpants and on Zoom calls.
This season, our editors combed through all that's available to select these 19 picks. Whether you want a trendy sweater set or a cool neutral pick, there are cozy options for you. Now, all that's left to do is curl up on the couch and shop our picks!
The Masked Singer: Breaking Down All Our Theories About Who Are Behind the Masks
The Masked Singer season four kicked off on Sept. 23, and the competition is super fierce this year. For the premiere, we were introduced to Group A, which included some impressive singers with some truly wacky costumes. Seriously, they have really outdone themselves this year. Of course, the best part of the show is trying to guess which celebrities are behind the masks. While the judges had a handful of smart guesses, we also have a few theories of our own. Keep reading for a breakdown of our thoughts as well as the first person who was unmasked below.
Upgrade Your Fall Wardrobe Today With These 23 Plush and Comfy Sweaters
There's one wardrobe staple we can never own enough of: sweaters. These cozy pieces come in an array of colors and styles that are easy to match with just about anything. Simply pair them jeans and sneakers or dress one up with some trousers. This season is the perfect time to treat yourself to a few new ones for a quick closet refresh. We shopped for you and curated a list of the chicest and coziest choices for Fall at every price point. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
I Suffered From Back Pain For 2 Years - These Are the 12 Exercises That Got Rid of It For Good
Sometimes it takes an injury to remind you just how important every bone and muscle in your body is. For me, I didn't realize just how important my back, core, and glutes were until I experienced lower back pain. For a good seven months, I got spasms daily, I could barely walk, and bodyweight exercises were too difficult to perform, which all led to me feeling depressed and like I was never going to get better. I had gone from being a Division 1, All-American sprinter to barely being able to do bodyweight lunges without pain.
After spending entirely too much money and two years looking for a physical therapist, I finally found a group of therapists who figured out the root of my back pain and helped me get rid of it for good.
What Caused My Back Pain
Long story short: my scoliosis has caused structural imbalances for most of my life, and as a result, I had muscular weakness and imbalances on the left side of my body. Not to mention, I learned that my L4 and L5 discs were herniated. My therapists also found that my glutes and core weren't firing like they should, which meant that every time I ran, lifted, and did anything that involved a heavy load, my back was absorbing a majority of that load instead of the appropriate muscle groups.
The Exercises I Did to Get Rid of Lower Back Pain
In order to get rid of back pain, I went to physical therapy religiously two times a week for about three months. During those sessions, I didn't do anything intense. I simply worked on glute activation and core activation exercises. I'm talking doing glute bridge variations and plank variations, and focusing on little details like making sure my spine was in a neutral position at all times and that I wasn't compensating on one side of my body.
It was boring, extremely boring, but it was absolutely necessary. Not only did I have to focus on my glute and core strength during physical therapy, but I also had to change my workouts to apply everything I had been practicing.
How I Changed My Workouts
Once the physical therapists were able to pinpoint the cause of my back pain, it was time to get to work. I had made the mistake of trying to do too much, too soon multiple times, which only set me back in the long run. Another mistake I had made before finding my team of therapists was doing intense workouts on the rare days that my back felt good. This didn't work in my favor because I never addressed the true issue, which was glute and core weakness.
With the advice of my therapists, I started out with bodyweight exercises and gradually increased the complexity of the movements and weight. Regardless of the exercise, I always made sure that my glutes and core were actually firing and to check my form in the mirror. Ultimately, I had to relearn how to move with and without weight, but it was worth it.
I know a lot of different things can cause back pain, so you'll definitely want to speak to a pro to figure out what is causing your pain. One thing I can say for sure, especially as a trainer, is that everyone can benefit from doing more glute- and core-activating exercises. I wouldn't do every single move from the ahead list at once. Instead, choose two to three core exercises (e.g. plank with knee tap, side bridge, and bird dog) and two to three glute exercises (e.g. glute bridge, fire hydrants, and donkey kicks) and complete them before every workout and at least two times a week. You shouldn't feel any pain while performing the exercises, and if you do, stop immediately!
If you are suffering from back pain, I highly recommend speaking to an expert, such as a physical therapist, who can come up with an individualized plan to help you become pain-free. In the meantime, check out the 12 exercises that helped me get rid of back pain ahead.
A Public Health Expert Explains How Racism and White Supremacy Negatively Affect Black People's Sleep
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, it's felt as though Black people have been holding our breath, and it feels as if our collective mourning will never end. We're navigating two pandemics at once, both of which directly impact our livelihood, and they're taking a toll on our well-being.
Some of us have lost our appetites due to stress and anxiety. We're masking our emotions in work environments where people don't seem to care or empathize with what it's like existing in a country, a system, that wasn't created for us to thrive. We're struggling to sleep. And most of us are still haunted and unable to digest and comprehend the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, the knee on George Floyd's neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds which killed him, and the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor, whose home was raided in the middle of the night while she slept, fatally ending her blossoming life.
The pandemic has further highlighted the health inequities that exist, with one such health disparity impacting Black and brown people in the US being sleep. "We consistently found that Black or African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islanders all had worse sleep than non-Hispanic whites," Dayna Johnson, PhD, MPH, MSW, an assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at Emory University, told POPSUGAR.
By worse sleep, Dr. Johnson explained that these groups all experienced shorter sleep duration, and for some, the duration was over an hour, "which means that racial minorities are sleeping less on average than non-Hispanic white individuals." Their research also found that these groups had worse sleep quality, such as spending more time awake when they should be asleep and experiencing more interruptions during the sleep period. Dr. Johnson and her colleagues also analyzed sleep apnea and insomnia, common sleep disorders, and found that "When it comes to these conditions, we see that racial minorities tend to have a higher prevalence."
Sleep apnea is more common among racial minorities, and it also tends to be more severe, especially among African Americans than among white individuals, she said. The literature is mixed as to how common insomnia is among the different groups, but according to Dr. Johnson, among African Americans, "We see that it takes longer to fall asleep, and we also see more awakening at night. So objectively, we do see more insomnia symptoms."
Why Do Black People and People of Color Experience Sleep Disparities?
There are several reasons Black people and people of color have worse sleep than non-Hispanic whites, according to Dr. Johnson. One reason is connected to what these groups have been experiencing for decades and currently, which is "a result of racism," she explained.
"Health inequities period - sleep, nonsleep - the fundamental reason is racism, which contributes to differences in socioeconomic status," Dr. Johnson said. People who live in lower-income neighborhoods tend to be exposed more to inopportune light exposure, they tend to be exposed to more noise, and there also tends to be more air pollution, which all contribute to poor sleep, according to Dr. Johnson. Social factors such as neighborhood violence and neighborhood disorder also contribute to poor sleep. "Where the race part comes in is that we see that racial minorities are more likely to live in urban areas or underprivileged areas despite their individual level income. And that's what will contribute to poor sleep," Dr. Johnson explained.
Another factor that contributes to poor sleep is stress. This can be manifested in many ways, with one main way being discrimination. According to the American Psychological Association, "Racial trauma, a form of race-based stress, refers to People of Color and Indigenous individuals' reactions to dangerous events and real or perceived experiences of racial discrimination." These vicarious experiences of discrimination affect these groups just as much as if they had happened to them, "and that can cause being in a state of vigilance, it can cause anxiety which affects our sleep," Dr. Johnson explained.
Policy-oriented variables such as social status also affect people's sleep, Dr. Johnson explained. An example of this is the low minimum wage, which her work has shown affects both the sleep of children and adults. Someone who has to work multiple jobs to feed and shelter their family is less likely to institute consistent bed times for their children. "The whole point of this is the social patterning of it," Dr. Johnson said.
"It's the fact that we have this low wage, that some people that may not have been able to pursue a higher education and are working multiple jobs and thus have these inconsistent work schedules. . . . So then we see that the kids tend to have more disturbed sleep." Early school times and long commutes to get to school also impact children's sleep. "And so all of those factors contribute to the reasons why we're seeing a difference in sleep between racial minorities and non-Hispanic whites," according to Dr. Johnson.
How to Improve Sleep Disparities in Black and Brown Populations
There are numerous variables that negatively impact the sleep of Black and brown people, but, "There's several places where we can intervene to improve sleep for the people that are most affected by poor sleep," according to Dr. Johnson. On a policy level, she said that increasing income can help. "We know that income is associated with better health, period. So that can have residual effects for sleep and other [disparities]."
She did note that educated Black individuals tend to have worse sleep than uneducated or lower educated Black individuals. According to Dr. Johnson, this could be due to many things, for example, being in an environment where they're typically the minority, which creates opportunity for more experiences of discrimination. This can also relate to feelings of having to work harder, she said. "In these environments, if we diversify more, where you don't see one Black individual, one Latino individual, that starts to create an environment that is more welcoming and creates an environment of social support which helps our sleep," she explained.
"Attacking racism and condemning things like white supremacy are important and would undoubtedly lead to better health outcomes, better sleep."
"But in thinking about factors that may potentially affect racial minorities, as well as those of lower SES (socioeconomic status), of course, attacking racism and condemning things like white supremacy are important and would undoubtedly lead to better health outcomes, better sleep." This can be done by actively working toward being antiracist, facilitating and attending antiracism trainings, and combatting racial stereotypes. An actionable thing that can be done in addition to larger policies to help sleep disparities for children is delaying school start times. "That's something that we have seen some counties be able to do, and we see improved sleep for people and that's really regardless of race."
As it pertains to structural barriers that impact sleep at the neighborhood level, Dr. Johnson said, "Having policies and regulations with industrial plants that may be in some of these neighborhoods to ensure that they are following the right laws according to [the] EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to make sure they're not emitting pollutants into the environment" can help improve sleep disparities.
Additionally, finding ways to reduce stress, clear your mind, and relax before sleep is important, Dr. Johnson said. For those who live in areas with inopportune light or noise, investing in things like blackout curtains, wearing an eye mask to block out light, or utilizing apps for relaxation before bed can help.
Following sleep hygiene recommendations such as creating a wind down routine, keeping your room cool, avoiding caffeine consumption in the afternoon and at night, and limiting your alcohol intake in the evening can all help improve your sleep. Dr. Johnson also said ensuring people of color get proper screenings and diagnoses from their primary care doctors will allow them to get the treatment they need based on their sleep issue. "There's still a way to handle all of this while we're still residing in a racist world," Dr. Johnson assured.
Hilary Duff Opens the Doors to Her Colorful (and Incredibly Kid-Friendly!) California Home
Step inside Hilary Duff's LA home, and you'll find a space built with family in mind. The Younger actress recently brought Architectural Digest along for a tour of the Georgian-style structure she's been living in for nearly a decade - since she was pregnant with her first child, Luca. After remodeling two times, Hilary has settled on a colorful, chic, modern vibe for her interior design, and it's still incredibly family-friendly.
"It always looks this fancy in here. These pillows always look like this, and I always have fresh flowers and no kids stuff around," she said sarcastically during the tour. "This is what it always looks like." Despite her jokes, a stray Sharpie doodle on the coffee table or a baby bite mark on the fruit in the kitchen are the perfect imperfections that make Hilary's home so loveable. Her daughter's room radiates joy with its various shades of pink, and her son's space is the ideal getaway for an 8-year-old, complete with a massive slide. Family pictures fill the formal living room and Hilary's private sitting area/bathroom, where she also delivered her now 2-year-old daughter Banks during a home birth.
"We live in this house and we're hard on this house - I think that's what makes it feel like such a home," she said. We love that sentiment! It's refreshing to see someone be so candid and honest about creating a family space. Keep reading for a close-up look at the special details of Hilary's home, from her vintage credenza to her new passion project: the chicken coop.
Upgrade Your Fall Wardrobe Today With These 23 Plush and Comfy Sweaters
There's one wardrobe staple we can never own enough of: sweaters. These cozy pieces come in an array of colors and styles that are easy to match with just about anything. Simply pair them jeans and sneakers or dress one up with some trousers. This season is the perfect time to treat yourself to a few new ones for a quick closet refresh. We shopped for you and curated a list of the chicest and coziest choices for Fall at every price point. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
I Suffered From Back Pain For 2 Years - These Are the 12 Exercises That Got Rid of It For Good
Sometimes it takes an injury to remind you just how important every bone and muscle in your body is. For me, I didn't realize just how important my back, core, and glutes were until I experienced lower back pain. For a good seven months, I got spasms daily, I could barely walk, and bodyweight exercises were too difficult to perform, which all led to me feeling depressed and like I was never going to get better. I had gone from being a Division 1, All-American sprinter to barely being able to do bodyweight lunges without pain.
After spending entirely too much money and two years looking for a physical therapist, I finally found a group of therapists who figured out the root of my back pain and helped me get rid of it for good.
What Caused My Back Pain
Long story short: my scoliosis has caused structural imbalances for most of my life, and as a result, I had muscular weakness and imbalances on the left side of my body. Not to mention, I learned that my L4 and L5 discs were herniated. My therapists also found that my glutes and core weren't firing like they should, which meant that every time I ran, lifted, and did anything that involved a heavy load, my back was absorbing a majority of that load instead of the appropriate muscle groups.
The Exercises I Did to Get Rid of Lower Back Pain
In order to get rid of back pain, I went to physical therapy religiously two times a week for about three months. During those sessions, I didn't do anything intense. I simply worked on glute activation and core activation exercises. I'm talking doing glute bridge variations and plank variations, and focusing on little details like making sure my spine was in a neutral position at all times and that I wasn't compensating on one side of my body.
It was boring, extremely boring, but it was absolutely necessary. Not only did I have to focus on my glute and core strength during physical therapy, but I also had to change my workouts to apply everything I had been practicing.
How I Changed My Workouts
Once the physical therapists were able to pinpoint the cause of my back pain, it was time to get to work. I had made the mistake of trying to do too much, too soon multiple times, which only set me back in the long run. Another mistake I had made before finding my team of therapists was doing intense workouts on the rare days that my back felt good. This didn't work in my favor because I never addressed the true issue, which was glute and core weakness.
With the advice of my therapists, I started out with bodyweight exercises and gradually increased the complexity of the movements and weight. Regardless of the exercise, I always made sure that my glutes and core were actually firing and to check my form in the mirror. Ultimately, I had to relearn how to move with and without weight, but it was worth it.
I know a lot of different things can cause back pain, so you'll definitely want to speak to a pro to figure out what is causing your pain. One thing I can say for sure, especially as a trainer, is that everyone can benefit from doing more glute- and core-activating exercises. I wouldn't do every single move from the ahead list at once. Instead, choose two to three core exercises (e.g. plank with knee tap, side bridge, and bird dog) and two to three glute exercises (e.g. glute bridge, fire hydrants, and donkey kicks) and complete them before every workout and at least two times a week. You shouldn't feel any pain while performing the exercises, and if you do, stop immediately!
If you are suffering from back pain, I highly recommend speaking to an expert, such as a physical therapist, who can come up with an individualized plan to help you become pain-free. In the meantime, check out the 12 exercises that helped me get rid of back pain ahead.
Hilary Duff Opens the Doors to Her Colorful (and Incredibly Kid-Friendly!) California Home
Step inside Hilary Duff's LA home, and you'll find a space built with family in mind. The Younger actress recently brought Architectural Digest along for a tour of the Georgian-style structure she's been living in for nearly a decade - since she was pregnant with her first child, Luca. After remodeling two times, Hilary has settled on a colorful, chic, modern vibe for her interior design, and it's still incredibly family-friendly.
"It always looks this fancy in here. These pillows always look like this, and I always have fresh flowers and no kids stuff around," she said sarcastically during the tour. "This is what it always looks like." Despite her jokes, a stray Sharpie doodle on the coffee table or a baby bite mark on the fruit in the kitchen are the perfect imperfections that make Hilary's home so loveable. Her daughter's room radiates joy with its various shades of pink, and her son's space is the ideal getaway for an 8-year-old, complete with a massive slide. Family pictures fill the formal living room and Hilary's private sitting area/bathroom, where she also delivered her now 2-year-old daughter Banks during a home birth.
"We live in this house and we're hard on this house - I think that's what makes it feel like such a home," she said. We love that sentiment! It's refreshing to see someone be so candid and honest about creating a family space. Keep reading for a close-up look at the special details of Hilary's home, from her vintage credenza to her new passion project: the chicken coop.
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