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
That Time Princess Diana Surprised Prince Charles By Dancing to Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl"
Princess Diana dancing on stage to Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" might sound like the kind of storyline The Crown would make up for added drama, but it's actually a completely true story! Much to the surprise of her husband and the assorted elites gathered at a Royal Ballet gala, Diana managed to plan, rehearse, and sneak onstage to perform without anyone finding out! Here's how she pulled it off - and how she got mixed reactions.
Princess Diana famously loved dance her entire life. As a child, she took dance lessons, and at one point, she even aspired to be a ballerina, before she grew too tall as a teenager to ever be able to have a professional dance career. Of course, as a member of the aristocracy (and one of the oldest titled families in Britain), she wouldn't have been able to have a career in dance anyway, but she transformed that love for dance into patronage as an adult, including her support of the National Ballet. In 1985, she surprised onlookers when she took a twirl around the dance floor with John Travolta during a trip to the U.S., but her real performance was yet to come.
Wayne Sleep, the dancer who worked with Diana to create and perform the top-secret routine, told The Guardian his version of the story in 2017, twenty years after Diana's death. He explained that Diana had first approached him years before, hoping he could give her dance lessons, but he had been unable to commit to it because of his touring schedule. In 1985, however, the princess approached him again, this time with a one-time idea in mind.
"It was a private show for supporters and friends of the Royal Ballet. Charles was going to be in the audience and she wanted to surprise him; it was all top secret," he said. At first, he worried that their height difference (he is only 5'2", while the late princess was famously tall at 5'10") would cause a problem, but soon "realized she had a good sense of humor, and that we could have some fun with our height difference." After the performance itself and the reactions from the surprised audience, he said, "She loved it, but was most thrilled we'd kept it secret from Charles, and our rehearsals away from the paparazzi. She loved the freedom dancing gave her. A few days later, I got a letter. She wrote: 'Now I understand the buzz you get from performing.'"
Sleep told The Guardian that he and Diana remained friends for a few years after the surprising performance, with the princess frequently visiting him after dance performances or just coming to his apartment for a casual dinner. "I think we got on because we were quite similar: we were both loners; we both had to carve out our own paths . . . we didn't set much store by protocol," he reflected. When photos of their performance leaked in 1995, however, she became more distant, increasingly worried that she couldn't trust anyone, and their friendship faded.
The 2017 documentary Princess Diana: The Woman Inside revealed that not everyone was thrilled with Diana's showstopping stunt. Although it was meant as a Christmas "gift" for Prince Charles, the dance actually upset him more than anything. "She did it as a tribute to Charles. Charles wasn't terribly impressed. He thought she was showing off," royal expert Richard Kay said in the documentary.
You can see more of Sleep's retelling of the famous dance in this CBS video below:
A State-by-State Guide to the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving's menu lineup has been the same for decades with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing taking center stage. While turkey is undoubtedly the table's main showstopper, side dishes have proven to be a close second with some almost stealing the show themselves (who can pass up mashed potatoes?). While most people eat a similar variation of food on Thanksgiving between the turkey and pie, a new study from Zippa has reported that the side dishes people look forward to indulging in vary depending on where they live. From Alaska to New York, tables are filled with everything from mouthwatering hash brown casseroles and rich, buttery crescent rolls to lightened up side salads and creamy corn.
Whether you've got a palate for stuffing or you lean more towards mac and cheese, these state-by-state picks will inspire you to get cookin'. No matter where you're celebrating Thanksgiving this year, check out what the folks in the states around you are craving, and get ready for this year's side dish to be the new star of the show.
Adding to Our List of Things We Never Knew We Needed Is This Grey's Anatomy Coloring Book
Grey's Anatomy isn't known for giving fans a calm and stressless viewing experience. Luckily, we've found the perfect way for you to decompress after watching an episode - a coloring book! This Grey's Anatomy Coloring Book ($8) has pages of hand-drawn images featuring cast favorites including Meredith, Miranda, Richard, and plenty of others. There are a ton of images that show them working away at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital, and all you have to do is grab your pencil crayons to fill the pages with color.
The scenes look as if they're pulled straight from a Grey's Anatomy episode, both in and out of the hospital. Some of them include doctors performing their daily rounds, treating or consulting with patients, group shots, and even some portraits that make the characters look like legit superheroes from a comic book. Reviews also point out that some of the pages in this coloring book feature characters from Station 19. These illustrations are printed on single-sided pages, so you don't have to worry about the colors bleeding through to the next page. It's the perfect activity for any Grey's Anatomy fans looking for something relaxing to do between episodes and in their spare time.
See Ya, Gingerbread! Hostess's Party-Size Twinkies Baking Kit Serves 20 People
Growing up, the holidays were always a time for sipping on enormous cups of hot chocolate and baking up old favorites that would be gone before the oven even had time to cool down. This year, I might be adding a new recipe to my list because Walmart is selling a Hostess Party-Size Holiday Twinkies Baking Kit that serves 20 people, and I'm on a sugar high just looking at it.
The massive kit comes with Twinkies cake mix, a vanilla cream filling mix, a Twinkie-shaped baking pan, and instructions on how to make this huge Twinkie a reality at home. All you need to add is vegetable oil, eggs, water, and heavy cream. But I am curious how this would turn out if I mixed in a few holiday sprinkles with the cream before putting it in the middle of the cake.
Shop the giant Twinkie for yourself ahead, and maybe consider whipping up this Duncan Hines Mega Cookie on the side for a holiday dessert party that would definitely cover all of Buddy the Elf's favorite food groups.
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.
Count Down to Christmas With This Among Us Advent Calendar That's Full of Fun Collectibles
Among Us has easily become one of the biggest trends of 2020, and it's not hard to see why. The addicting computer game has become so popular in recent months that it inspired numerous Halloween costumes for both crewmates and imposters, and New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez even got in on the craze by playing a round with popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers. But despite the game's pretty dark premise - crewmates have to figure out who among them is the imposter before they're killed - you can now ring in the holidays with it thanks to this Among Us Advent calendar! (We swear it isn't as grim as it sounds.)
You can count down the days until Christmas by opening the doors on the calendar and collecting Among Us-themed prizes, including stuffed crewmate figures, stickers, and keychains. This is the perfect early holiday gift for your gamer friend or even an early Christmas treat for yourself! Shop the Advent calendar below.
The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar Gives Me Peace of Mind as a Pet Owner
I live in an incredibly rural town in central New York. While living in a quiet part of the world comes with its challenges (you can't count on every town having a gas station), it also comes with a lot of perks - fresh air, less crowds, and the ability to enjoy frequent jaunts through woodlands and fields with my dogs. Because we love walking our dogs off the beaten path, my husband and I have always been vigilant in protecting our dogs from pests. Living in an area known for its dense deer population, we used to struggle with our dogs picking up ticks and had frequent concern over the risk of Lyme disease.
A few years ago, based on a recommendation from our vet, we decided to order Seresto Flea and Tick Collars ($58) for our two dogs. (Side note: these collars are also available for cats!) While we were at first deterred by the price, years later, we haven't looked back. The Seresto collar has become a must-have item in our household and, when it comes to our dogs, we literally don't leave home without it. Here's why:
- It Gets the Job Done
Since using Seresto collars on our dogs, we have had zero issues with ticks and fleas. While we remain diligent in checking our dogs for pests after walks (just to be safe) these checks always yield the same results: no ticks and no fleas. As someone who cares deeply for the well-being of her pets, it's amazing to have this peace of mind. - Superb Quality For the Price Point
While it may be easy to look at the Seresto collar's price point and feel a little hesitant about clicking "place order," it is one hundred percent worth every penny. Aside from being completely effective in preventing pests (in my experience), its lifespan also makes it a great investment. This collar is effective for eight months, so you won't be clicking "order" too often. - Less Mess and Odor
The Seresto collar is a huge step up from the chemical goop we had previously slathered onto our dogs necks for flea and tick prevention. Aside from being messy, I hated how these medicines almost always came with a distinct odor and, more often than not, we had to worry about our dogs licking the stuff off and making themselves sick. I love that the Seresto collar is non-greasy and odorless. - Easy On, Easy Off
As a general rule, my husband and I don't keep collars on our dogs. We put them on when we go outside or take them for walks but choose not to keep collars on them while they are in the house to avoid the risk of choking. We make an exception, however, when it comes to our dogs' Seresto collars. We love that this collar is designed to easily pop off should our dog get caught on something. This allows us to leave the collars on at all times and still feel comfortable leaving the dogs home alone or putting our dogs in their crates.
While the market is full of different products aimed at preventing fleas and ticks, I can say with adamance that the Seresto collar has by far been my favorite. Safe, effective, and reasonably priced - as a pet owner, I can't really ask for more.
mercredi 11 novembre 2020
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Set Their "Feud" Aside For the Holidays - Well, Sort Of
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's faux feud has raged on for over a decade, but the actors are officially setting their differences aside for the holidays. On Nov. 10, Ryan and Hugh teamed up for a new Sam's Club holiday commercial to raise money for charity together (and I say "together" loosely). "You know, they say the holidays are a time for forgiveness," Ryan says at the start of the commercial as he and Hugh sit awkwardly far apart in front of a cozy fireplace. Are they social distancing or do they just refuse to sit any closer to their sworn "enemy"?
Throughout the holiday season, registered Sam's Club members can vote whether they want to side with Hugh and support the Laughing Man Coffee Foundation, which helps support coffee farming communities worldwide, or side with Ryan and support the Sick Kids Foundation, a Canadian organization fighting for the health and well-being of children. Anyone who wants to prove "Ryan is the canned cranberry sauce of human beings," can vote for Hugh on the Sam's Club website or purchase a box of Laughing Man Coffee. And those who agree with Ryan's sentiment that, "like mistletoe, Hugh just makes things awkward," can vote for him on the site or purchase a bottle of Aviation Gin.
Purchases and online votes will be counted equally through Dec. 20. Once all the votes are in, five lucky winners will be chosen to have a virtual hangout with Ryan and Hugh in January 2021 and invite one guest. But all participants do have to be at least 21 by the time of the hangout, so make sure you read up on all of the official rules, and check out the full commercial above.
What You Should Know About Tattooing On Dark Skin, According to a Tattoo Artist
I got a tattoo for the second time in my life recently, and one of the first things I noticed while scouring social media for design inspiration and artists to consider for the job was that the tattoo industry is lacking a lot of color - both in terms of the people on which the work is showcased and the artists behind the chair. As common as body art is among all people, there are still so many myths out there surrounding the process of tattooing on Black and brown skin and whether or not doing so is more difficult.
According to Kandace Layne, an artist at the Queen Bee Tattoo Parlor in Marietta, GA, tattooing dark skin isn't necessarily harder, it just requires someone taking the time to learn a different approach or strategy because certain designs or colors can show up differently. "It's something you can only learn to do by doing it often, and since there are so many different skin tones and types, it takes a long time to understand," she told POPSUGAR.
For Layne, the most important difference all comes down to design. "It's similar to drawing on a brown piece of paper versus a white one," she said. "On the brown paper, I might use bolder lines for more visibility, and choose certain colors that carry through well even though the paper is brown. Green and red are good examples of that."
Outside of knowing how to play with color, keeping negative space in mind and knowing how to best approach the overall design is important as well. "It can take a while to learn which colors will be the most flattering to use on different complexions, even grey tones show up differently," Layne said. "Keeping the design open by avoiding really compact designs elements - like lines being really close to each other in the tattoo - really helps with visibility as well for dark skin tones."
In the same way that it's important for all aestheticians to know how to properly work on all skin types and colors, the same thing applies to tattoo artists. If you're a person of color and are still in the research phase of your tattoo journey, make sure you check out each artist's portfolio and try to find some examples of their work on a variety of skin tones.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Set Their "Feud" Aside For the Holidays - Well, Sort Of
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's faux feud has raged on for over a decade, but the actors are officially setting their differences aside for the holidays. On Nov. 10, Ryan and Hugh teamed up for a new Sam's Club holiday commercial to raise money for charity together (and I say "together" loosely). "You know, they say the holidays are a time for forgiveness," Ryan says at the start of the commercial as he and Hugh sit awkwardly far apart in front of a cozy fireplace. Are they social distancing or do they just refuse to sit any closer to their sworn "enemy"?
Throughout the holiday season, registered Sam's Club members can vote whether they want to side with Hugh and support the Laughing Man Coffee Foundation, which helps support coffee farming communities worldwide, or side with Ryan and support the Sick Kids Foundation, a Canadian organization fighting for the health and well-being of children. Anyone who wants to prove "Ryan is the canned cranberry sauce of human beings," can vote for Hugh on the Sam's Club website or purchase a box of Laughing Man Coffee. And those who agree with Ryan's sentiment that, "like mistletoe, Hugh just makes things awkward," can vote for him on the site or purchase a bottle of Aviation Gin.
Purchases and online votes will be counted equally through Dec. 20. Once all the votes are in, five lucky winners will be chosen to have a virtual hangout with Ryan and Hugh in January 2021 and invite one guest. But all participants do have to be at least 21 by the time of the hangout, so make sure you read up on all of the official rules, and check out the full commercial above.
I'm a Dietitian, and I'm Drinking This Juice Every Morning to Support My Immune System
Cold and flu season has arrived, which for many of us means loading up on vitamins and supplements to help keep us healthy. After all, who wants to be stuck in bed fighting a cold or dealing with the flu? Not me!
As a registered dietitian, I know the value of supplying my body with immune-supporting nutrients during these colder months. I don't give into all the "immune-boosting" solutions on the market, as many have zero evidence to back up their claims. However, I know the data suggests that vitamin C helps promote the production of immune cells, and vitamin D helps protect against respiratory tract infections, including the flu. So, I keep my immune-supporting regimen simple - along with eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, and exercising, I give myself a daily supplemental boost of the immune-supporting trifecta that is vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
But while I may do a great job at buying my pills, I don't do as good of a job actually taking them. I am super-compliant with my supplement regimen for about a week, and then things tend to go downhill rather quickly. I get busy and forget to pop my pills, and ultimately the bottles start collecting dust and make their way into the supplement graveyard.
One day, while leisurely strolling through my grocery store aisles (which I frequently do - it's my "me" time), I came across Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune (available in stores). Skeptical about whether a juice could meet my needs, I perused the label and was pleasantly surprised. This natural and organic OJ is loaded with nutrients that actually have data supporting their effects on immune health, including (per serving) 300 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, 50 percent of the RDA of vitamin D, and 25 percent of the RDA of zinc. My beloved trifecta! Added organic elderberry juice gives this beverage antibacterial and antiviral benefits, while also giving it a pretty berry-colored hue that helps make each glass totally Instagram-worthy (priorities, right?).
Plus, because the base is traditional organic orange juice, it's naturally chock-full of important carotenoids - including beta carotene, alpha carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin, which can help form vitamin A in the body, an important nutrient for immune function. Another bonus? Drinking 100 percent orange juice daily also provides my body with hesperidin, an antioxidant that has been shown to offer blood pressure benefits, which means drinking this juice allows me to take care of my heart health as well as my immune health. Needless to say, I'm sold.
Being a tired working mom, having a solution that is as simple as pouring a glass of juice and sipping it is a welcomed addition to my otherwise crazy life. This juice tastes good, contains a boost of nutrients that helps my body stay in fighting shape during cold and flu season, and is made from real organic orange juice with no added sugars. It's something my entire family now enjoys before running out the door for school or work in the morning.
Along with making sure to wash my hands frequently, getting quality sleep, and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, enjoying a glass of Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune every morning is a no-brainer to help keep my immune system in-check. Because the last thing I want this winter is to be stuck in bed for a week with the "ick." Nobody has time for that.
I'm a Dietitian, and I'm Drinking This Juice Every Morning to Support My Immune System
Cold and flu season has arrived, which for many of us means loading up on vitamins and supplements to help keep us healthy. After all, who wants to be stuck in bed fighting a cold or dealing with the flu? Not me!
As a registered dietitian, I know the value of supplying my body with immune-supporting nutrients during these colder months. I don't give into all the "immune-boosting" solutions on the market, as many have zero evidence to back up their claims. However, I know the data suggests that vitamin C helps promote the production of immune cells, and vitamin D helps protect against respiratory tract infections, including the flu. So, I keep my immune-supporting regimen simple - along with eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, and exercising, I give myself a daily supplemental boost of the immune-supporting trifecta that is vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
But while I may do a great job at buying my pills, I don't do as good of a job actually taking them. I am super-compliant with my supplement regimen for about a week, and then things tend to go downhill rather quickly. I get busy and forget to pop my pills, and ultimately the bottles start collecting dust and make their way into the supplement graveyard.
One day, while leisurely strolling through my grocery store aisles (which I frequently do - it's my "me" time), I came across Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune (available in stores). Skeptical about whether a juice could meet my needs, I perused the label and was pleasantly surprised. This natural and organic OJ is loaded with nutrients that actually have data supporting their effects on immune health, including (per serving) 300 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, 50 percent of the RDA of vitamin D, and 25 percent of the RDA of zinc. My beloved trifecta! Added organic elderberry juice gives this beverage antibacterial and antiviral benefits, while also giving it a pretty berry-colored hue that helps make each glass totally Instagram-worthy (priorities, right?).
Plus, because the base is traditional organic orange juice, it's naturally chock-full of important carotenoids - including beta carotene, alpha carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin, which can help form vitamin A in the body, an important nutrient for immune function. Another bonus? Drinking 100 percent orange juice daily also provides my body with hesperidin, an antioxidant that has been shown to offer blood pressure benefits, which means drinking this juice allows me to take care of my heart health as well as my immune health. Needless to say, I'm sold.
Being a tired working mom, having a solution that is as simple as pouring a glass of juice and sipping it is a welcomed addition to my otherwise crazy life. This juice tastes good, contains a boost of nutrients that helps my body stay in fighting shape during cold and flu season, and is made from real organic orange juice with no added sugars. It's something my entire family now enjoys before running out the door for school or work in the morning.
Along with making sure to wash my hands frequently, getting quality sleep, and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, enjoying a glass of Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune every morning is a no-brainer to help keep my immune system in-check. Because the last thing I want this winter is to be stuck in bed for a week with the "ick." Nobody has time for that.
31 Gag Gifts So Funny, Everyone Will Laugh Opening Them
When it comes time to get a gift for someone, there are really two main avenues to take: finding a thoughtful and meaningful gift that they'll treasure, or searching for something so absurdly funny that they will cry-laugh while opening it up. If you're leaning toward the latter, you're in luck. We searched the internet and found 30 presents so silly that we could barely keep it together. From unique activities and games to some that are actually practical, we found the best of the best. Be the prank war champion of your all your holiday gift exchanges, including white elephant. This holiday season, we could all use a good laugh!
- Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown
Related: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Stocking Stuffers You Didn't Know You Needed
Darren Criss Gifted Us Some Glee Secrets in Honor of the 10th Anniversary of His Debut
From the moment Blaine Anderson grabbed Kurt Hummel's hand and ran through the hall, I was sold on Darren Criss being a part of Glee. Nov. 9 marked the official 10th anniversary of Criss's first appearance as Blaine on the show, and he celebrated it the only way a Gleek could: live-streaming his reaction as he rewatched his debut episode.
Throughout the IGTV, Criss let fans in on behind-the-scenes tidbits, including how he felt about the show picking Warblers to make him look as tiny as possible before singing along to the iconic "Teenage Dream" performance. He also shared a couple of photos from filming on Instagram, captioning the post, "People always tell me how Glee changed their life, and I'm always happy to remind them how yeah, it changed mine too."
What's even wilder than the fact it's been 10 years since Blaine first appeared and five years since the show went off the air, is the fact that Criss pretty much looks the same now as he did then. Now, if only he would bust out the Warbler blazer, I'd be a very happy Gleek.
You'll See Hufflepuffs in a Whole New, Romantic Light Thanks to This Themed Wedding Shoot
Hufflepuff is easily one of the most underrated houses in the Harry Potter series. If you're a Harry Potter fan, then you know that to be a Hufflepuff one must be loyal, patient, and brave. Photographer and event planner Jessica Thomas decided to create a styled wedding shoot at Field Manor in Merritt Island, FL, to celebrate the magic of Hufflepuff in a tasteful and chic way.
"This styled shoot kept its theme while maintaining the elegance of a wedding day. The color scheme of rich yellows and blacks, in combination with the pops of gold, gave this shoot the perfect bohemian and free-spirited look reminiscing the loyal wizardry House," Jessica told POPSUGAR. "Each photo was conceptualized with the idea of romanticizing the kitschy trend of geek weddings and staying far away from the 'comic book' theme that most portray."
With the help of an amazing team of vendors, Jessica managed to transform the venue into a Hufflepuff dream. They decorated a long wooden table with black and golden plates and cutlery before topping it off with a wand. The shoot had four models, each with a dazzling look, but what really stood out was the fierce black gown worn by one of them. It perfectly contrasted her yellow and white bouquet. Jessica captured fantastic shots during golden hour, and the photos are stunning! Keep reading to take a look for yourself.
30 Gifts For $40 and Under That Will Check Everyone Off Your List
Gift-giving season is upon us, and we want to bring a little extra holiday cheer to the people we love in our lives. As our gifting list is growing, we want to find gifts that are affordable and still have a wow factor. When looking for some of our favorite gifts and comparing the prices to our current bank statement, we've found $40 to be the sweet spot for gifting. It gives a bit more wiggle room than a $25 budget but still feels a bit more affordable than a $50 budget. These 30 gifts will help you check everyone off your list.
From fun games to cool mugs and classic candles, these are the gifts that will be universally beloved. Whether you've got a white elephant gift exchange to look forward to or are excited about stocking stuffers, these picks will work for you and the people you love. Keep reading to shop!
Yes, You Can Be Asexual and Sex Positive - Here's How That Works
Leaving my hometown after I turned 18 was a great time for my self-discovery. I was very repressed in high school, so coming out to my family as queer and asexual immensely improved my mental health, and learning how to live my truth has motivated me to continue to work on bettering myself. However, that was also an important time for me to unlearn a lot of unhealthy and harmful misconceptions I had about dating and sexuality.
Before I first came to terms with the fact that I am asexual, I was mostly in denial because I am also a very sex-positive person. I used to believe that these two worlds were at odds with each other, but now I know this is a very misguided view that a lot of people have about asexuality, which isn't surprising, since asexual representation is still very sparse.
Believe it or not, asexuality is actually intrinsically linked to sex positivity. There is no strict criteria for being asexual, and everybody on the asexual spectrum has a unique experience that doesn't necessarily match other asexual people. Here are some important things to know about the connection between asexuality and sex positivity.
Coming to terms with my sexuality was about prioritizing my own mental and sexual health without feeling obligated to date or have sex with other people because of guilt or social pressure.
Asexual does not mean an aversion to sex. Asexuality is a spectrum, which means it looks different for everybody. Asexuality does not mean celibacy or lacking libido - it simply means that a person doesn't always experience sexual attraction. I am asexual and panromantic, which means I am attracted to all people regardless of gender, but I am also generally disinterested in sex for myself. However, this doesn't mean I have never felt sexual attraction before or that I am not allowed to. My asexuality does not invalidate my sex-positive nature or my passion to stay involved in the movement to make the world a better and more inclusive place for everybody to express their sexuality freely and without stigma.
Sex positivity is primarily recognized as a movement to recognize sex as a normal, healthy, and important part of life. While this is true, we must also acknowledge the fact that the sex-positive movement is supposed to challenge harmful social and cultural norms about sex and sexuality. It's about removing stigma from all forms of sexual attraction and expression, including asexuality. There are also many asexual people who are into BDSM and kink.
Coming to terms with my sexuality was about prioritizing my own mental and sexual health without feeling obligated to date or have sex with other people because of guilt or social pressure. That wouldn't be fair to myself, and it wouldn't be fair to my romantic partners, either. Sometimes I masturbate, but I don't consider sexual activity with other people to be a necessary component of my love life. That's not to say that everybody else who is asexual feels the same, though. There are also people on the asexual spectrum who are in relationships and sexually active but do not consider sex to be a requirement for a successful relationship. The reason asexuality is a necessary part of the sex-positive movement is because it challenges unhealthy norms about sex and sexuality.
However, there is also a lot of misrepresentation. Unfortunately, if you ask the average person who doesn't have much knowledge about asexuality - including other members of the LGBTQIA+ community - they will likely have the misguided perception that I once had, which is that asexual people have an aversion to sex. This misconception was highlighted in a 2018 BBC3 documentary about young asexual people, which had the controversial and misleading title I Don't Want Sex. Asexual people who were interviewed in the documentary later spoke out against it for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about asexuality. This highlights harmful and widespread misconceptions about asexuals being "late bloomers" who are "afraid of sex," which many people still believe.
If people want to be more educated about the topic, it's so important that they listen to asexual people and what we have to say. A few great places to learn more about sex positivity in asexual communities is by visiting the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) website. There are also many asexual public figures who are pushing the conversation forward, including Yasmin Benoit, a British lingerie model and asexual activist who is very outspoken about sex positivity. There's also author Angela Chen, who recently wrote a book called Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex, where she interviewed several asexual women about their experiences.
The fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is far from over, and there needs to be more adequate representation for asexual people, especially asexuals who are sex positive like me, because, yes, we do exist!
Dunkaroos Are Getting a Lot Bigger Thanks to New Sugar Cookie Dough and Sprinkle Frosting
A new type of Dunkaroos cookie is about to make its grocery store debut, and I'm oh so excited. The nostalgic '90s snack made a comeback earlier this year, and after an eager response from fans, the brand has decided to go bigger and bolder with its next launch. Enter: Dunkaroos Sugar Cookie Dough and Frosting.
Each ready-to-bake pack comes with enough sugar cookie dough to make six massive cookies or 24 mini ones - whether you're in the mood to share or enjoy a bunch on your own. The cookies also come with vanilla frosting mixed with rainbow sprinkles, for the full Dunkaroos experience. If this sounds like your type of snack, make sure to mark your calendar. You can snag these limited-edition treats on Nov. 23 at your local Hy-Vee, Kroger, Wakefern, Walmart, Wegmans, Albertsons, or Safeway.
Darren Criss Gifted Us Some Glee Secrets in Honor of the 10th Anniversary of His Debut
From the moment Blaine Anderson grabbed Kurt Hummel's hand and ran through the hall, I was sold on Darren Criss being a part of Glee. Nov. 9 marked the official 10th anniversary of Criss's first appearance as Blaine on the show, and he celebrated it the only way a Gleek could: live-streaming his reaction as he rewatched his debut episode.
Throughout the IGTV, Criss let fans in on behind-the-scenes tidbits, including how he felt about the show picking Warblers to make him look as tiny as possible before singing along to the iconic "Teenage Dream" performance. He also shared a couple of photos from filming on Instagram, captioning the post, "People always tell me how Glee changed their life, and I'm always happy to remind them how yeah, it changed mine too."
What's even wilder than the fact it's been 10 years since Blaine first appeared and five years since the show went off the air, is the fact that Criss pretty much looks the same now as he did then. Now, if only he would bust out the Warbler blazer, I'd be a very happy Gleek.
30 Gifts For $40 and Under That Will Check Everyone Off Your List
Gift-giving season is upon us, and we want to bring a little extra holiday cheer to the people we love in our lives. As our gifting list is growing, we want to find gifts that are affordable and still have a wow factor. When looking for some of our favorite gifts and comparing the prices to our current bank statement, we've found $40 to be the sweet spot for gifting. It gives a bit more wiggle room than a $25 budget but still feels a bit more affordable than a $50 budget. These 30 gifts will help you check everyone off your list.
From fun games to cool mugs and classic candles, these are the gifts that will be universally beloved. Whether you've got a white elephant gift exchange to look forward to or are excited about stocking stuffers, these picks will work for you and the people you love. Keep reading to shop!
Dunkaroos Are Getting a Lot Bigger Thanks to New Sugar Cookie Dough and Sprinkle Frosting
A new type of Dunkaroos cookie is about to make its grocery store debut, and I'm oh so excited. The nostalgic '90s snack made a comeback earlier this year, and after an eager response from fans, the brand has decided to go bigger and bolder with its next launch. Enter: Dunkaroos Sugar Cookie Dough and Frosting.
Each ready-to-bake pack comes with enough sugar cookie dough to make six massive cookies or 24 mini ones - whether you're in the mood to share or enjoy a bunch on your own. The cookies also come with vanilla frosting mixed with rainbow sprinkles, for the full Dunkaroos experience. If this sounds like your type of snack, make sure to mark your calendar. You can snag these limited-edition treats on Nov. 23 at your local Hy-Vee, Kroger, Wakefern, Walmart, Wegmans, Albertsons, or Safeway.
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