Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 12 novembre 2020
Operation Christmas Drop Was Filmed Exactly Where the Real Event Happens: Guam
Netflix's Operation Christmas Drop is loosely based on a true story, so it only makes sense that the setting sticks close to the truth, too. If you watched this Christmas film and wondered to yourself what that stunning tropical backdrop was, they actually mention it in the movie. However, it wasn't glaringly obvious, so you might have missed it. Operation Christmas Drop takes place in Guam, and Netflix actually filmed on location there.
The real military-run Operation Christmas Drop is run out of Andersen Air Force Base each year, which is located in Yigo, Guam. Since 1952, the Department of Defense has been running this program to airlift supplies and gifts to islands all around Guam each holiday season. To stay true to the real operation, Netflix filmed along the beaches of Guam for the movie as well. In fact, they actually were granted permission to film at the Air Force base. Director Martin Wood said in a statement to Stars and Stripes, "There is no way to build an Air Force base for a movie - you just have to move onto one." He added that the Navy provided helicopters and ships "to portray an air-to-air sequence of travel to a distant island."
Though they had to build some sets, the backdrop is genuine and even includes some of the islands that the real Operation Christmas Drop helps each year. Ahead, see some stunning shots of Guam to get even more of a feel for this island territory.
vendredi 6 novembre 2020
30 Sephora Gift Ideas From Stocking Stuffers to Secret Santa Ideas, All For Under $25
So, you're making a list and checking it twice, but all of a sudden, you realize just how many people you need to be getting something for . . . and you freeze. Well, consider us your savior this season with these 30 beauty gift ideas from Sephora for anyone on your list. Bonus: the presents also come without a big spend - nothing's over $25.
Maybe you're doing a little exchange with your closest friends by mail or still making a socially distant Secret Santa scenario happen. These $25-or-less Sephora gifting ideas also make great stocking stuffers for beauty-lovers of any age, from a hard-to-impress teen to a new partner's mom. Of course, there's a little something for your beauty-obsessed BFF who could already teach a masterclass in makeup or for any pal who could use a little pick-me-up in 2020.
Plus, if someone you love is anxiously awaiting the time when they can finally safely travel again, there are frequent-flier-friendly ideas to try now that can take them straight into the new year, too. And with Sephora's Holiday Savings Event happening through Nov. 9, there's an even better deal to be had when you start shopping early. We can all cheers to that.
30 Sephora Gift Ideas From Stocking Stuffers to Secret Santa Ideas, All For Under $25
So, you're making a list and checking it twice, but all of a sudden, you realize just how many people you need to be getting something for . . . and you freeze. Well, consider us your savior this season with these 30 beauty gift ideas from Sephora for anyone on your list. Bonus: the presents also come without a big spend - nothing's over $25.
Maybe you're doing a little exchange with your closest friends by mail or still making a socially distant Secret Santa scenario happen. These $25-or-less Sephora gifting ideas also make great stocking stuffers for beauty-lovers of any age, from a hard-to-impress teen to a new partner's mom. Of course, there's a little something for your beauty-obsessed BFF who could already teach a masterclass in makeup or for any pal who could use a little pick-me-up in 2020.
Plus, if someone you love is anxiously awaiting the time when they can finally safely travel again, there are frequent-flier-friendly ideas to try now that can take them straight into the new year, too. And with Sephora's Holiday Savings Event happening through Nov. 9, there's an even better deal to be had when you start shopping early. We can all cheers to that.
jeudi 29 octobre 2020
It's Official - Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club Has Been Renewed For Season 2
The Baby-Sitters Club reboot hit Netflix on July 3, and we're already ready for more. Luckily for us, the series was renewed for season two on Wednesday, and it's set to premiere sometime in 2021.
While Netflix has yet to release any other details, we have a lot of hope for a renewal. In case you weren't aware, by the time The Baby-Sitters Club ceased publication in 2000, there were 213 books in the series. The first season is only 10 episodes long, with each focusing on one of the members of the titular club, which means there's a wealth of untapped potential Netflix can pull from. In fact, the cast of the new series - Sophie Grace (Kristy Thomas), Malia Baker (Mary Anne Spier), Shay Rudolph (Stacey McGill), Momona Tamada (Claudia Kishi), and Xochitl Gomez (Dawn Schafer) - spoke to POPSUGAR about some of the things they'd like to see in a future season.
For Rudolph, she wouldn't want Stacey to move back to New York City like she does in the books. "I want to stay with the other BSC girls and have fun babysitting adventures and make more memories on set!" Grace is a huge lover of dogs, so she wished that Kristy's first-ever Baby-Sitters Club job as a dog-sitter had made it into the first season. But who knows, perhaps the Baby-Sitters Club can expand to include more dogs in the reboot? If that doesn't happen, Grace added, "I hope Kristy can coach Kristy's Krushers just like she did in the books."
While Tamada loved how the first season turned out, she would definitely want to see the girls travel out of Stoneybrook in season two. I can only imagine how amazing Claudia's travel looks would be! As for Gomez, she loves spooky ghost stories like The Ghost at Dawn's House, and was bummed they didn't make it in. Maybe they can have a fun Halloween episode in season two? Meanwhile, Baker feels a strong connection to Mary Anne, particularly when it comes to how she handles surprises, making the storyline where Mary Anne runs away due to a surprise party in the books her ideal scenario for season two.
And those are just the storylines that the cast would like to see happen. If Netflix needs a bit more inspiration, we've already made a list of the best Baby-Sitters Club books of all time.
It's Official - Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club Has Been Renewed For Season 2
The Baby-Sitters Club reboot hit Netflix on July 3, and we're already ready for more. Luckily for us, the series was renewed for season two on Wednesday, and it's set to premiere sometime in 2021.
While Netflix has yet to release any other details, we have a lot of hope for a renewal. In case you weren't aware, by the time The Baby-Sitters Club ceased publication in 2000, there were 213 books in the series. The first season is only 10 episodes long, with each focusing on one of the members of the titular club, which means there's a wealth of untapped potential Netflix can pull from. In fact, the cast of the new series - Sophie Grace (Kristy Thomas), Malia Baker (Mary Anne Spier), Shay Rudolph (Stacey McGill), Momona Tamada (Claudia Kishi), and Xochitl Gomez (Dawn Schafer) - spoke to POPSUGAR about some of the things they'd like to see in a future season.
For Rudolph, she wouldn't want Stacey to move back to New York City like she does in the books. "I want to stay with the other BSC girls and have fun babysitting adventures and make more memories on set!" Grace is a huge lover of dogs, so she wished that Kristy's first-ever Baby-Sitters Club job as a dog-sitter had made it into the first season. But who knows, perhaps the Baby-Sitters Club can expand to include more dogs in the reboot? If that doesn't happen, Grace added, "I hope Kristy can coach Kristy's Krushers just like she did in the books."
While Tamada loved how the first season turned out, she would definitely want to see the girls travel out of Stoneybrook in season two. I can only imagine how amazing Claudia's travel looks would be! As for Gomez, she loves spooky ghost stories like The Ghost at Dawn's House, and was bummed they didn't make it in. Maybe they can have a fun Halloween episode in season two? Meanwhile, Baker feels a strong connection to Mary Anne, particularly when it comes to how she handles surprises, making the storyline where Mary Anne runs away due to a surprise party in the books her ideal scenario for season two.
And those are just the storylines that the cast would like to see happen. If Netflix needs a bit more inspiration, we've already made a list of the best Baby-Sitters Club books of all time.
mardi 27 octobre 2020
This Stunning Ice Dance to "Hallelujah" Just Won Our Hearts - and a Gold Medal
Like most other sports, figure skating was put on pause back in March. Now the circuit is officially back for the 2020-2021 season, and while things might look a little different - the stands are full of cardboard cutouts, the applause is recorded, and the field was smaller than usual given coronavirus-related travel restrictions - it did nothing to minimize the magic of the performances we saw at Skate America 2020.
The routine that had us catching our breath was Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue's gorgeous free dance, set to a "Hallelujah" medley by Jeff Buckley and K.D. Lang. The graceful performance flowed beautifully and was filled with difficult elements, five of which received Level 4 classifications, the highest level possible. And, fun fact: the pair has actually danced to "Hallelujah" before (back in 2015-2016) and felt compelled to bring the track back this season. "This offseason we looked for different music, but inevitably, we were drawn to the idea of marrying the (Buckley and Lang) versions," Hubbell told teamusa.org. The routine was also choreographed by Scott Moir, the retired Canadian ice dancer who won two Olympic golds with partner Tessa Virtue.
The elegance of every movement, intertwined with the emotional resonance of the music, made this a performance we couldn't take our eyes off of. And the judges apparently agreed; thanks to their score of 126.09 on this routine, Hubbell and Donohue took home the gold medal at Skate America. Watch the artistry for yourself above!
This Stunning Ice Dance to "Hallelujah" Just Won Our Hearts - and a Gold Medal
Like most other sports, figure skating was put on pause back in March. Now the circuit is officially back for the 2020-2021 season, and while things might look a little different - the stands are full of cardboard cutouts, the applause is recorded, and the field was smaller than usual given coronavirus-related travel restrictions - it did nothing to minimize the magic of the performances we saw at Skate America 2020.
The routine that had us catching our breath was Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue's gorgeous free dance, set to a "Hallelujah" medley by Jeff Buckley and K.D. Lang. The graceful performance flowed beautifully and was filled with difficult elements, five of which received Level 4 classifications, the highest level possible. And, fun fact: the pair has actually danced to "Hallelujah" before (back in 2015-2016) and felt compelled to bring the track back this season. "This offseason we looked for different music, but inevitably, we were drawn to the idea of marrying the (Buckley and Lang) versions," Hubbell told teamusa.org. The routine was also choreographed by Scott Moir, the retired Canadian ice dancer who won two Olympic golds with partner Tessa Virtue.
The elegance of every movement, intertwined with the emotional resonance of the music, made this a performance we couldn't take our eyes off of. And the judges apparently agreed; thanks to their score of 126.09 on this routine, Hubbell and Donohue took home the gold medal at Skate America. Watch the artistry for yourself above!
dimanche 11 octobre 2020
Add a Little Spookiness to Your Life With These Adorable Halloweentown-Themed Shirts, Candles, Stickers, and More
Grab a broom and a pointed witch hat and travel back to 1998 with the Cromwells! This magic family from Halloweentown is practically Disney royalty. We already watch this delightfully spooky Disney Channel Original Movie - which stars Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell, a witch from Halloweentown, and Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper, a young witch who sneaks out to help her grandma save the ghosts, skeletons, mummies, and all other creatures who live in this eerie place - every Halloween.
Now, you can show off your interest in witch stuff, just like Marnie, by buying Halloweentown merch. These include T-shirts with quotes from the movie, walkie-talkie head keychains, themed candles, and witch coffee mugs. This movie is all about following your passions, believing in yourself, embracing your family, and working together - the fact that it's all based around Halloween just makes it that much better. Ahead, browse these awesome products - some of which were actually made and sold by Kimberly J. Brown herself, so you know it's authentic. In the words of Marnie, "Halloween is cool." Couldn't agree more.
Add a Little Spookiness to Your Life With These Adorable Halloweentown-Themed Shirts, Candles, Stickers, and More
Grab a broom and a pointed witch hat and travel back to 1998 with the Cromwells! This magic family from Halloweentown is practically Disney royalty. We already watch this delightfully spooky Disney Channel Original Movie - which stars Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell, a witch from Halloweentown, and Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper, a young witch who sneaks out to help her grandma save the ghosts, skeletons, mummies, and all other creatures who live in this eerie place - every Halloween.
Now, you can show off your interest in witch stuff, just like Marnie, by buying Halloweentown merch. These include T-shirts with quotes from the movie, walkie-talkie head keychains, themed candles, and witch coffee mugs. This movie is all about following your passions, believing in yourself, embracing your family, and working together - the fact that it's all based around Halloween just makes it that much better. Ahead, browse these awesome products - some of which were actually made and sold by Kimberly J. Brown herself, so you know it's authentic. In the words of Marnie, "Halloween is cool." Couldn't agree more.
dimanche 4 octobre 2020
Add a Little Spookiness to Your Life With These Adorable Halloweentown-Themed Shirts, Candles, Stickers, and More
Grab a broom and a pointed witch hat and travel back to 1998 with the Cromwells! This magic family from Halloweentown is practically Disney royalty. We already watch this delightfully spooky Disney Channel Original Movie - which stars Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell, a witch from Halloweentown, and Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper, a young witch who sneaks out to help her grandma save the ghosts, skeletons, mummies, and all other creatures who live in this eerie place - every Halloween.
Now, you can show off your interest in witch stuff, just like Marnie, by buying Halloweentown merch. These include T-shirts with quotes from the movie, walkie-talkie head keychains, themed candles, and witch coffee mugs. This movie is all about following your passions, believing in yourself, embracing your family, and working together - the fact that it's all based around Halloween just makes it that much better. Ahead, browse these awesome products - some of which were actually made and sold by Kimberly J. Brown herself, so you know it's authentic. In the words of Marnie, "Halloween is cool." Couldn't agree more.
Add a Little Spookiness to Your Life With These Adorable Halloweentown-Themed Shirts, Candles, Stickers, and More
Grab a broom and a pointed witch hat and travel back to 1998 with the Cromwells! This magic family from Halloweentown is practically Disney royalty. We already watch this delightfully spooky Disney Channel Original Movie - which stars Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell, a witch from Halloweentown, and Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper, a young witch who sneaks out to help her grandma save the ghosts, skeletons, mummies, and all other creatures who live in this eerie place - every Halloween.
Now, you can show off your interest in witch stuff, just like Marnie, by buying Halloweentown merch. These include T-shirts with quotes from the movie, walkie-talkie head keychains, themed candles, and witch coffee mugs. This movie is all about following your passions, believing in yourself, embracing your family, and working together - the fact that it's all based around Halloween just makes it that much better. Ahead, browse these awesome products - some of which were actually made and sold by Kimberly J. Brown herself, so you know it's authentic. In the words of Marnie, "Halloween is cool." Couldn't agree more.
samedi 3 octobre 2020
15 Popular Books That Will Warm Your Heart and Empower You When You Feel Lonely
With the health-based need for self-isolation and the constant stream of small and intimate summer weddings on social media, the loneliness many of us struggle with is emphasized right now. But even if you feel alone, you're actually not - you can still feel connected to your loved ones and enjoy time by yourself, even while separated. The following 15 popular books, including fiction novels, autobiographies, and self-help stories, will warm your heart and help you feel less lonely. They entail stories of friendship, family, solo travel, career triumphs, and more. Many of these books are also now movies or TV shows, so once you're done with the book, you can turn on your TV and watch the story unfold in real life. For now, though, I suggest running a warm bubble bath and taking care of yourself as you enjoy some of these amazing reads!
vendredi 2 octobre 2020
Jamie Foxx Is in Final Talks to Reprise Electro Role as Spider-Man 3's Big Bad
If you're one of the people who has always loved Jamie Foxx's underrated performance as Electro from Andrew Garfield's The Amazing Spider-Man 2, this one's for you! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Project Power star is currently in talks to reprise the role opposite the latest Peter Parker, namely Marvel and Sony's Tom Holland.
The untitled Spider-Man 3 is slated to arrive in theaters on Nov. 15, 2021 - although that may change considering the coronavirus's impact on movie release dates - and will follow the events kicked off in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Jon Watts - the filmmaker behind Homecoming and Far From Home - is returning to direct the third film, as well as most of the cast from the previous movies, including Zendaya, Jacob Batalan, Marisa Tomei, and Tony Revolori. For those who need a refresher, Far From Home ended with Peter's secret identity being exposed to the world and the reveal that Nick Fury and Maria Hill have been up in space with travel Skrulls rather than on Earth, which leaves a much bigger universe for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to explore as we go into Phase Four.
Far From Home also included the return of another Spider-Man favorite: J.K. Simmons as John Jonah Jameson, Jr. himself! His return, coupled with Foxx's as Electro and Michael Keaton's Vulture skulking around in the Morbius trailer, are really beefing up Sony's Spider-Verse for upcoming films. Story details for the third Spider-Man are still scarce, but we have plenty of theories to ponder over as we await more information!
mercredi 30 septembre 2020
Stock Photography Has A Diversity Problem, and You Already Know What It Is
As a journalist, part of my job is to source my own photos. Typically, each publication has partnerships with stock marketplaces and journalists will select from there. I enjoy this part of the job - imagery helps enhance a story and tells readers what they can expect. Although enjoyable, searching for images of Black and brown people has become extremely time consuming because they are few and far between.
When searching phrases like "women," "weave," or "fashion show," nearly all images on the first 10 to 12 pages are of white women (or, in the case of weaves, bunches of yarn). It leaves me uncomfortable, thinking, Is that the only way a woman could look? Is typing in "weave" too foreign that yarn comes up instead? Why are Black people - or images showing the Black experience - buried deep among white people doing stereotypical activities?
Not only is there a limited amount of Black imagery available, I've noticed sites continue to circulate the same five Black images: a Black female hidden in the background of a boardroom, a Black man sipping on a coffee, an interracial couple (one of them being Black), a Black mother with her child, and a Black family watching TV. Why do these images populate over and over again? When you type in things like "travel," "office," "dancing," or "colored hair," though, only images of white people appear. But Black people like to travel, have office jobs, love to dance, and are constantly experimenting with our hair. So why isn't this shown?
These sites are compartmentalizing Black people into scenes that the majority can accept, and completing dismissing the other activities and emotions Black people have. They are not showing our full selves - and it is disturbing.
Accurate, authentic representation matters. Of course there are a few images, but they aren't authentic. They are taken through the white lens and how people perceive us, instead of how we think of ourselves. "Historically, photography was super male-dominated and often caucasian," Jordan Dyck, senior creative content manager at Shutterstock, told me. "That lack of representation really dictated a lack of diversity - in front of the lens and the models that we saw, and continue to see - in stock."
These sites are compartmentalizing Black people into scenes that the majority can accept, and completing dismissing the other activities and emotions Black people have. They are not showing our full selves
I want to see myself in a product, brand, or story that resonates with me. It's disappointing to see amazing Black photographers grasping for recognition. The industry might have started off with white photographers, but the traction that Black artists gain daily should have changed that. Why is it taking so long for stock marketplaces to reflect this? Dyck tells me that at Shutterstock, barriers to entry are quite low and that regardless of race or socioeconomic class, everyone has a fair chance. Like many other stock photography platforms, they are working on adjusting their algorithms so that keyword suggestion is more focused. "Even though we're using an automated algorithm, our goal is to have our content become more representative of an inclusive world."
Stock photos are not just photos. They are small snapshots of normalcy, beauty, and acceptability. It affects you whether you know it or not. For too long, stock marketplaces have been promoting narrow, homogenous, white stories. These stories are all conveying one idea: if you don't look exactly like this, you don't belong. Failing to portray marginalized communities - Black and Brown specifically - stock photography and brands are further pushing negative and inaccurate stereotypes that harm these groups. After the viral killings of Black and Brown men (in just this year alone) companies all over have made promises and public declarations for their support of Black lives. It's time to put action to those announcements.
If your goal is to have more representation and diversity across all touch points, tackling these content gaps in stock photography is a step in the right direction.
mardi 29 septembre 2020
Universal Orlando Unveils Florida's Record-Breaking Jurassic World Ride: The VelociCoaster
Please secure your lap bar and get ready to ride, because Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a colossal new experience in 2021. On Sept. 28, the theme parked announced it'll open Florida's fastest and tallest launch coaster next summer, inspired by Jurassic World. The aptly named VelociCoaster will be the franchise's first coaster, following the Jurassic Park ride in Hollywood, and it's expected to be the ultimate experience for thrill seekers.
Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track and reaching heights of up to 155 feet, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster will take riders on a twisty trip as they soar above land and water. There are not one, but two, launches that reach up to 70 mph, so yes, this ride is certainly for the speed demons of the bunch. It'll also include an 80 degree drop courtesy of the formidable, towering "Top Hat" - Universal's steepest drop yet.
There are still plenty of unknown details about the coaster, and travel remains unpredictable these days, but we'll be keeping you updated on any developments as they come. In the meantime, we'll be battling the jittery butterflies and convincing ourselves we're ready for this once-in-a-lifetime park experience.
Universal Orlando Unveils Florida's Record-Breaking Jurassic World Ride: The VelociCoaster
Please secure your lap bar and get ready to ride, because Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a colossal new experience in 2021. On Sept. 28, the theme parked announced it'll open Florida's fastest and tallest launch coaster next summer, inspired by Jurassic World. The aptly named VelociCoaster will be the franchise's first coaster, following the Jurassic Park ride in Hollywood, and it's expected to be the ultimate experience for thrill seekers.
Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track and reaching heights of up to 155 feet, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster will take riders on a twisty trip as they soar above land and water. There are not one, but two, launches that reach up to 70 mph, so yes, this ride is certainly for the speed demons of the bunch. It'll also include an 80 degree drop courtesy of the formidable, towering "Top Hat" - Universal's steepest drop yet.
There are still plenty of unknown details about the coaster, and travel remains unpredictable these days, but we'll be keeping you updated on any developments as they come. In the meantime, we'll be battling the jittery butterflies and convincing ourselves we're ready for this once-in-a-lifetime park experience.
Universal Orlando Unveils Florida's Record-Breaking Jurassic World Ride: The VelociCoaster
Please secure your lap bar and get ready to ride, because Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a colossal new experience in 2021. On Sept. 28, the theme parked announced it'll open Florida's fastest and tallest launch coaster next year, inspired by Jurassic World. The aptly named VelociCoaster will be the franchise's first coaster, following the Jurassic Park ride in Hollywood, and it's expected to be the ultimate experience for thrill seekers.
Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track and reaching heights of up to 155 feet, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster will take riders on a twisty trip as they soar above land and water. There are not one, but two, launches that reach up to 70 mph, so yes, this ride is certainly for the speed demons of the bunch. It'll also include an 80 degree drop courtesy of the formidable, towering "Top Hat" - Universal's steepest drop yet.
There are still plenty of unknown details about the coaster, and travel remains unpredictable these days, but we'll be keeping you updated on any developments as they come. In the meantime, we'll be battling the jittery butterflies and convincing ourselves we're ready for this once-in-a-lifetime park experience.
mardi 22 septembre 2020
Confused About the Testing Guidelines For COVID-19? Here's Who Should Be Swabbed
There's been a lot of uncertainty around COVID-19 testing in the US. Recently, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) seemed to soften its testing guidelines - explaining that people who had been exposed but hadn't developed symptoms no longer needed to be tested - only to reverse course when it was reported that the changes had come under pressure from the White House. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the back and forth, you're not alone - but experts want Americans to know testing is essential, especially with cases expected to climb this fall.
"The most effective approach to fighting the pandemic is widespread testing," Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a family physician and regional medical director at One Medical, told POPSUGAR. "It allows us to isolate cases and to contact trace in order to quickly identify other cases." However, politics aside, the line public health experts are trying to toe is a challenging one. "When faced with limited resources, we have to consider testing prioritization," Dr. Bhuyan explained.
In other words, when the demand for testing begins to place a strain on the healthcare system - as it has at different times throughout the pandemic - difficult decisions have to be made in order to ensure that the most critical cases have access to testing and that results can be turned around quickly enough to curb the spread. So, who should be tested? We asked experts to break it down.
Who Is a Priority For COVID-19 Testing?
"The highest-priority groups to test are those who are hospitalized," Dr. Bhuyan said. That's been true since the pandemic began, but with testing more available now, the pool has widened. That said, "testing capacity is quite regional," she said. "So it's important to understand what is happening with labs in your area." If you believe you need testing, you should call your primary-care provider, who can assess whether you're a good candidate, but generally speaking, anyone who falls into these categories is likely to be considered, Dr. Bhuyan explained:
- People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Members of or caretakers for a vulnerable population, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
- Essential workers.
- People who have reason to believe they could have an active infection, because they were exposed to an infected person or traveled to a high-risk area, for example.
That last category is significant. "We know people can be infectious after exposure before they become symptomatic. That is a proven fact," David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR. "Now, if they stay isolated for 14 days after exposure, and infect no one, there is a good chance the infection will pass with no harm done. But if they do infect other people after exposure, and those people go on to infect others, that is how pandemics perpetuate."
That's why the change in the CDC's guidelines was so controversial. "Because of the risk of asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2, we recommend testing for all close contacts of persons with COVID-19," Daniel Devine, MD, a dual-board certified internist and geriatrician and cofounder of Devine Concierge Medicine, told POPSUGAR. Dr. Cutler explained that you're considered to have had an exposure if you were less than six feet away from someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes.
When resources aren't limited, even those who may have been exposed while traveling can be considered for testing, regardless of whether they've developed symptoms. However, "the best option right now is to avoid travel to an area where COVID-19 is prevalent," Dr. Bhuyan said. "Of course, getting tested four to seven days after your return is still an option. The issue is that labs are increasingly facing capacity issues. By testing people who travel, we might be limiting resources for those who have symptoms or a known exposure."
Given the number of cases the US has had and the possibility that the numbers will only increase during the colder months, "it's truly best to stay at home when you can and especially to avoid travel to places with high rates of COVID-19 cases," Dr. Bhuyan told POPSUGAR.
Remember too that testing isn't the only (or even the most effective) way to protect your community when you do need to travel. "Many states recommend self-quarantine for 14 days after visiting a high-risk state and returning home," Dr. Devine said. He explained that a person can become sick with COVID-19 at any point during that window, and it's possible to get a false negative if you're tested too soon. "Thus, the safest route is to follow social-distancing guidelines while traveling and completing a full 14-day quarantine upon return," Dr. Devine said.
In fact, regardless of the circumstances that led to your testing, "you should be in quarantine until the results are known," Dr. Cutler said.
The Bottom Line
Testing guidelines continue to evolve, and that's likely to be the case until the US has sufficiently flattened the curve. The best thing you can do is seek medical advice. "At this point in time, I recommend contacting your doctor if you are exposed to an individual with known or likely COVID-19, regardless of the presence of symptoms, to discuss getting tested," Dr. Devine said.
This is especially true if you or a loved one are considered high risk. "Older adults and those with certain acute or chronic diseases are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 and should certainly be tested after exposure, even if they are asymptomatic," he explained, adding that your doctor can also talk you through the steps you'll need to take to properly self-isolate at home.
Dr. Cutler agreed. "My personal advice is that if you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. If you have had a significant exposure, then get tested," he said, noting that a call with your primary-care physician is a good first step. "And if you are in some special, vulnerable population or are required to test for work, travel, school, or another administrative reason, then get tested."
If you have the misfortune of being turned away because testing supplies in your area are low, "it is important to remember that most mild cases of COVID-19 will self-resolve without intervention from the medical community," Dr. Devine said. Your doctor can explain how to best manage your symptoms at home and when to seek care.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
Confused About the Testing Guidelines For COVID-19? Here's Who Should Be Swabbed
There's been a lot of uncertainty around COVID-19 testing in the US. Recently, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) seemed to soften its testing guidelines - explaining that people who had been exposed but hadn't developed symptoms no longer needed to be tested - only to reverse course when it was reported that the changes had come under pressure from the White House. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the back and forth, you're not alone - but experts want Americans to know testing is essential, especially with cases expected to climb this fall.
"The most effective approach to fighting the pandemic is widespread testing," Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a family physician and regional medical director at One Medical, told POPSUGAR. "It allows us to isolate cases and to contact trace in order to quickly identify other cases." However, politics aside, the line public health experts are trying to toe is a challenging one. "When faced with limited resources, we have to consider testing prioritization," Dr. Bhuyan explained.
In other words, when the demand for testing begins to place a strain on the healthcare system - as it has at different times throughout the pandemic - difficult decisions have to be made in order to ensure that the most critical cases have access to testing and that results can be turned around quickly enough to curb the spread. So, who should be tested? We asked experts to break it down.
Who Is a Priority For COVID-19 Testing?
"The highest-priority groups to test are those who are hospitalized," Dr. Bhuyan said. That's been true since the pandemic began, but with testing more available now, the pool has widened. That said, "testing capacity is quite regional," she said. "So it's important to understand what is happening with labs in your area." If you believe you need testing, you should call your primary-care provider, who can assess whether you're a good candidate, but generally speaking, anyone who falls into these categories is likely to be considered, Dr. Bhuyan explained:
- People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Members of or caretakers for a vulnerable population, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
- Essential workers.
- People who have reason to believe they could have an active infection, because they were exposed to an infected person or traveled to a high-risk area, for example.
That last category is significant. "We know people can be infectious after exposure before they become symptomatic. That is a proven fact," David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR. "Now, if they stay isolated for 14 days after exposure, and infect no one, there is a good chance the infection will pass with no harm done. But if they do infect other people after exposure, and those people go on to infect others, that is how pandemics perpetuate."
That's why the change in the CDC's guidelines was so controversial. "Because of the risk of asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2, we recommend testing for all close contacts of persons with COVID-19," Daniel Devine, MD, a dual-board certified internist and geriatrician and cofounder of Devine Concierge Medicine, told POPSUGAR. Dr. Cutler explained that you're considered to have had an exposure if you were less than six feet away from someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes.
When resources aren't limited, even those who may have been exposed while traveling can be considered for testing, regardless of whether they've developed symptoms. However, "the best option right now is to avoid travel to an area where COVID-19 is prevalent," Dr. Bhuyan said. "Of course, getting tested four to seven days after your return is still an option. The issue is that labs are increasingly facing capacity issues. By testing people who travel, we might be limiting resources for those who have symptoms or a known exposure."
Given the number of cases the US has had and the possibility that the numbers will only increase during the colder months, "it's truly best to stay at home when you can and especially to avoid travel to places with high rates of COVID-19 cases," Dr. Bhuyan told POPSUGAR.
Remember too that testing isn't the only (or even the most effective) way to protect your community when you do need to travel. "Many states recommend self-quarantine for 14 days after visiting a high-risk state and returning home," Dr. Devine said. He explained that a person can become sick with COVID-19 at any point during that window, and it's possible to get a false negative if you're tested too soon. "Thus, the safest route is to follow social-distancing guidelines while traveling and completing a full 14-day quarantine upon return," Dr. Devine said.
In fact, regardless of the circumstances that led to your testing, "you should be in quarantine until the results are known," Dr. Cutler said.
The Bottom Line
Testing guidelines continue to evolve, and that's likely to be the case until the US has sufficiently flattened the curve. The best thing you can do is seek medical advice. "At this point in time, I recommend contacting your doctor if you are exposed to an individual with known or likely COVID-19, regardless of the presence of symptoms, to discuss getting tested," Dr. Devine said.
This is especially true if you or a loved one are considered high risk. "Older adults and those with certain acute or chronic diseases are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 and should certainly be tested after exposure, even if they are asymptomatic," he explained, adding that your doctor can also talk you through the steps you'll need to take to properly self-isolate at home.
Dr. Cutler agreed. "My personal advice is that if you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested. If you have had a significant exposure, then get tested," he said, noting that a call with your primary-care physician is a good first step. "And if you are in some special, vulnerable population or are required to test for work, travel, school, or another administrative reason, then get tested."
If you have the misfortune of being turned away because testing supplies in your area are low, "it is important to remember that most mild cases of COVID-19 will self-resolve without intervention from the medical community," Dr. Devine said. Your doctor can explain how to best manage your symptoms at home and when to seek care.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
dimanche 20 septembre 2020
These 15 Podcasts Deserve a Spot on Your Road Trip Playlist
These days, many more people are opting to travel by car - travel data has shown a huge uptick in road trips this year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a car travel newbie, once you enter the road trip game, you quickly learn how important it is to have a well-stocked car and a killer road trip playlist on your phone (downloaded and ready to go in case you lose service). But you can only hear the same songs so many times before you start cursing your decision to travel old-school. That's where podcasts come in. Whether you're into politics, true crime, or just need a good laugh and a little company, these are the 15 best podcasts for your next road trip.
Articles
