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 10 juin 2016
16 Burning Questions Game of Thrones Better Answer in Season 6
Game of Thrones is known for throwing tons of unexpected twists and turns and crazy cliffhangers at its viewers. With just a few episodes left before the season six finale, we have a bunch of burning questions that will hopefully be answered by then. If not, we're not sure we can wait until next year! Read on to scratch your heads with us, and remember, there are spoilers ahead.
Things Get Super Steamy Between Nick Jonas and Shay Mitchell in His New Music Video For "Under You"
Nick Jonas and Shay Mitchell bring the heat in the singer's new music video for "Under You," which may or may not make you blush. Nick dropped his new album, Last Year Was Complicated, on Friday, tweeting a preview of the "Under You" video and writing, "You know I couldn't drop a new album without a new video too." Meanwhile, both he and Shay fed into fans' excitement with a cute Twitter exchange:
.@shaymitch 😜
- Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) June 10, 2016
Check out a clip of the new music video above, then see the all-time sexiest Nick Jonas pictures plus Shay Mitchell's hottest bikini snaps.
Why Fans of Now You See Me Will Love the Sequel's Ending
After blowing audiences away with their tricks and gimmicks in 2013, the Four Horsemen are back for their second act in Now You See Me 2. When the gang finds themselves in a bit of a predicament with Daniel Radcliffe's character, they work together to pull off the greatest show of their careers. While the first movie was all about the magic, the sequel slightly pulls back the curtain, revealing the truth behind those magical illusions and the infamous organization called the Eye. Not only does the movie have a twist ending, but we finally find out who's been pulling the strings. Scroll to read how it goes down. Spoilers ahead!
81 FREE Wedding Reception Printables
Tying the knot is fine and dandy, but the reception is what all the guests remember - which means you'll want to make yours SPECTACULAR. And if you're a bride on a budget, you can still make it great! Ahead are 81 completely free printables perfect for the party. So fire up your printer . . . we give you tons of cute options!
10 Natural Wonders in Iceland That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Nordic island of Iceland has become an incredibly popular place to travel in recent years. If you haven't gotten a chance to visit the country's spectacular nature, now is the time. Check out the country's awe-inspiring locations.
12 Inspiring Quotes EVERY Grad Should Read
Graduating can be a scary thing. Going out there into the great wide unknown, unsure of your plans, your fate. Moving on to any new stage in life can be terrifying. Sometimes you just need a few well-placed words of wisdom to get you through.
When Mary Karr gave the commencement speech at Syracuse University last year, it became an internet sensation. Her words resonated with graduates everywhere. Her sage advice was shared all over the internet, and now, in her gem of a book, Now Go Out There (and Get Curious) she shares that wonderful advice.
This small book makes a wonderful graduation gift or birthday gift for anyone on your list. And to get a small sampling of the crowd-pleasing advice, we've compiled a list of our favorite quotes.
- "That's how fear works, isn't it? Getting what you want often scares you more than not getting it."
- "But don't make the mistake of comparing your twisted up insides to other people's blow dried-outsides. Even the most privileged person in this stadium suffers the torments of the damned just going about the business of being human."
- "Far as I can tell, a dysfunctional family is any family with more than one person in it."
- "And if you can get curious about what scares or infuriates you - especially if it's part of yourself - you can grow less scared. . . . You can open your eyes onto a completely different world, because you can see it from a less terrified consciousness."
- "Being smart and rich are lucky, but being curious and compassionate will save your ass."
- "Each of you is a spark that's added something to our little flame and to the world's torch."
- "[E]very time I was super-afraid, it was of the wrong thing."
- "And stuff that first looked like the worst, most degrading thing that could ever happen almost always led me to something extraordinary and fine."
- "The loony bin is where I learned that as deep as a wound is, that's how deep the learning can be."
- "Bad things are gonna happen to you, because they happen to us all. Any worrying won't stave the really bad things off."
- "But it turns out finding people to love and do for is way more healing."
- "See, the opposite of love isn't hate. It isn't even indifference. It's fear - often fear of the very pain and suffering which we all know are inevitable."
19 Things Unhappy People Do
Everyone has their off days, but why cause more negativity if you can avoid it? If you work on thinking positively about yourself and others, you will be that much closer to being your happiest self. Below are 19 things unhappy people do that we should all try to avoid.
1. They worry about things they can't change
We are all guilty sometimes of wondering what might have been if we had chosen or acted differently. But in most cases, this is a dead-end street. Unhappy people tend to brood about the "could've, should've, would'ves" of life, but it's important not to worry about things we can't change; instead, we should learn from our mistakes and simply try to do better next time! We may even end up being happy that we made some mistakes.
2. They give up when things get too hard
Unhappy people tend to back down when they are presented with a challenge. It's easy to throw in the towel when things seem like a lost cause, but powering through and persevering will usually yield good results. Giving up just leaves you feeling defeated. Regardless of the outcome, following through boosts confidence and reassures us that when all is said and done, we did everything we could to make it happen!
3. They take themselves too seriously
People who take themselves too seriously tend to take life too seriously in general. If you are able to take a step back and laugh at yourself and the absurdity of life every now and then, things won't seem so dire.
4. They never exercise
Exercise has countless mental and physical benefits. The more you exercise, the better you feel about yourself and the more likely you are to live a healthy lifestyle. Ditching exercise for a more sedentary way of life can have an overall negative effect on mood, health, and happiness. Here are some workouts that match different moods!
5. They set unattainable goals for themselves
We all know that setting goals for ourselves is important; it's the only way to get things done! But it can be a problem when the goals are unrealistic and unreachable. While we think it's great to always reach for the stars, people who hold themselves to impossible standards will be left feeling disappointed if they don't succeed. The key is to set small and attainable goals for yourself, and you will feel great when you meet and even exceed them. Remember - nobody is perfect!
6. They eat unhealthy foods often
Everyone has their guilty food pleasure (truffle fries, anyone?), and we fully support the occasional indulgence. However, unhappy people tend to let their indulgences become their habits. Eating healthy foods can lift your mood, give you more energy, and improve your physical health. Plus, there are so many great healthy recipes out there to try!
7. They don't get enough sleep
Sleep is essential! The amount of sleep you get corresponds with how happy and productive you are the next day. You may think that putting in that extra hour of work is a good idea, but nine times of out 10, work - and most other things! - should take the backseat to a good night's sleep. Check out some good bedtime habits to aid your beauty sleep!
8. They focus on their weaknesses, not their strengths
We all have our insecurities - the key is to embrace the good and try not to focus on the bad. Self-improvement is important, but unhappy people tend to dwell too much on their weaknesses instead of working on having a positive self-image. We should recognize our flaws and own them but never let them hold us back!
9. They spend too much time on social media
This one is a biggie! These days people lay out their whole lives online, and there are many drawbacks to this kind of social media over-share. For one, we can spend too much time comparing ourselves to other people. It's great that your friend just got a new job, got married, or had a baby, but it's OK that you are at a different - and just as important! - part of your life. It's a good idea to take a step away from the screen and get some perspective. Unhappy people tend to get caught up in social media and worry too much about how they appear to other people, which can have a negative effect on how they view themselves.
10. They stay in their comfort zones
It's easy to stay in our comfort zones where we feel safe and where the potential for risk is low. But staying there too long means we may be missing out on some great things in life. A huge contributing factor to unhappiness is boredom - and this can be easily remedied by trying new things and taking some risks! We don't necessarily mean that you should drop everything and go skydiving, but maybe try a new type of food, go see a show that sounds unusual, or take a weekend trip somewhere that you've never been.
11. They worry about what other people think
Unhappy people tend to care too much what people think. At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to please other people, so what matters most is loving yourself!
12. They gossip or speak negatively about others
Our moms taught us many things - one important lesson being that if you can't say something nice, then there is no reason to say anything at all. People who are unhappy sometimes try to bring other people down in order to make themselves better, but this never works! A better remedy is to lift others up and work on feeling great!
13. They work too much
Everyone deserves a mental health day! People who work too much can often neglect their needs, and sometimes all you need is a day to take a break from work and focus on yourself!
14. They isolate themselves
When things get tough, it's easy to withdraw from the people who care about you. But spending time with close friends and family when you're unhappy is actually a great way to feel better! Sometimes being with people can take our minds off whatever is bringing us down, so surrounding ourselves with people who love us most is a great way to turn things around.
15. They never indulge themselves
Happy people know that it's important to take a vacation, splurge on a new outfit, or enjoy a spa day now and then. People who aren't happy sometimes forget that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of others. Make sure to treat yourself!
16. They're OK with settling
People who are unhappy often stay in their comfort zones and are content to settle for things. Whether it's staying stuck in a relationship that isn't making us happy or settling for one job when we have our eye on another one, staying in ruts can make us feel like our lives have plateaued. Happy people work to get themselves out of these ruts and make the changes needed to start heading in the direction they want to be going!
17. They refuse to forgive
Unhappy people tend to hold on to grudges, but there is freedom and peace in letting go of things and offering forgiveness to yourself and others.
18. They avoid planning and organization
Disorganization can leave people feeling like their lives are in a state of disarray. Even if it is something as simple as rearranging your room or trying out these DIY organization hacks, restoring order can help you feel like you have regained a measure of control over things. Unhappy people who avoid organization and planning ahead tend to be less prepared to deal with life's twists and turns.
19. They focus only on themselves
While caring for yourself is essential, unhappy people tend to only think of themselves. Treating others unkindly or constantly focusing on yourself and your own problems can be harmful to your well-being and happiness. It's amazing what a little bit of kindness and looking at the bigger picture can do for the soul!
And if you need some tips on how to be happy, try following these lessons from the Happy movie!
What are some other ways to avoid being unhappy?
Get Your Green Thumb Clean With DIY Lemon Zest Gardener's Hand Scrub
Gardening enthusiasts, rejoice. This lemon zest hand scrub is perfect for gently removing dirt, grime, and plant oils from hands while leaving them wonderfully soft. Even if you don't have a green thumb, it is so nice on hands, exfoliating and cleaning just like a mini spa treatment. And you can personalize with your favorite essential oils, making it a must have for right next to your kitchen sink.
What You'll Need:
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup liquid dish soap
- 5-10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)
- 5-10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Zest one lemon and mix together with the coconut oil. Lemon zest has natural oils that gently clean skin, and coconut oil adds soothing relief to hands that have been digging in the soil or doing dirty work around the house.
- Now add the sugar and dish soap, and mix together until it forms a paste. Take the scrub to the next level and add tea tree essential oil, which is a natural disinfectant, healing any nicks or cuts on hands, and a touch of peppermint essential oil, adding a soothing tingle. Or drip in a few drops of your favorite scent, which leaves hands smelling amazing. You can also leave out the essential oils, and the scrub is still fabulous.
- Store in a sealable glass container, and the hand scrub is safe to keep on the counter for use until it's gone. And you might find yourself reaching for it whenever you need to wash your hands - it's really that wonderful!
WHO says delaying pregnancy an option for women in Zika areas
The World Health Organization says women who live in areas where Zika is spreading should consider delaying pregnancy, since there's no other sure way to avoid the virus' devastating birth defects.
Canada needs unified concussion policies, federal sport minister says after meetings in Lethbridge
Canada's minister of sport isn't ruling out federal concussion legislation in the future, but says it's more important for now to come up with a unified concussion policy for the country.
Law to allow private purchase of CT scans is 'troubling': Opposition
Saskatchewan's move to allow patients to buy their own CT scans has the Opposition raising concerns, calling it a slippery slope to more privatized health.
If Your Child Is Sitting Like This, Here's Why You Need to Stop Them Now
My daughter's just over a year old, so there's really not much she's doing "wrong" yet. (Trust me, like all of us, she'll get there.) If she smacks our family pet, it's less hostility and more that she doesn't have full control of her arms. If she throws her food, it's not an act of insubordination but just her method of communicating that she's done eating. So, when a family member alerted me to something my child was doing that she needed to stop at once, I was taken aback. Especially because, at that particular moment, she wasn't stealing her playmate's toys or eating an expensive coaster as she's sometimes known to do. She was just sitting there.
Turns out, the way she was sitting - with each leg splayed at her side, knees in front and feet behind, to form a "W" shape - was all kinds of bad.
According to a vast majority of physical therapists, there are several key reasons why:
- W-sitting limits core strength because it gives kids a wider base of support. Because they don't have to engage their abdominal or back muscles in this position, kids often prefer it to more challenging, tiring positions, like with legs in front, at their sides, or crisscrossed.
- W-sitting causes muscle tightness, particularly in the legs and hips but also knees and ankles.
- W-sitting aggravates neurological issues such as low muscle tone, which means when kids aren't actively using their muscles, those muscles are floppier and softer and have a harder time holding their bodies upright.
What this all means, most therapists agree, is that prolonged W-sitting throughout childhood can lead to a delayed development in gross motor skills like coordination and balance. For those parents hoping to raise a star athlete, this position's effect on postural muscles can also be cause for concern.
Why do some kids sit like this? It's by far the steadiest way for children of all ages to sit, and aside from that innate tendency to achieve the most stability, it's also been attributed to time spent in infant carrier devices, like swings, bouncy seats, and car seats.
Seeing as my daughter had already graduated from infancy, I was immediately concerned that the damage was already done. I had tried my best to limit her time in her baby swing and the oversize, overpriced ExerSaucer that I had bought under the assumption it was actually good for a baby's development, but here she was, W-sitting at every turn. I had never noticed it until now.
What can be done? Well, the somewhat alarmist recommendation is to get them to stop doing it immediately - that, whenever you see your child W-sitting, you either physically move their legs into a suitable position (if they're too young to understand) or tell them to do so.
So, with a watchful eye, I adjusted her legs every time she sat incorrectly, and my husband and I instructed our child's caretakers to do the same. Occasionally I'd correct her, and it'd be fine, but plenty of times, adjusting one of her legs would make her cry and most times, doing so annoyed her to the point that she was no longer interested in sitting and scooted off to go do something else.
She wasn't the only one getting fed up, and it had only been a week. I dug a little deeper and found that a few pediatric occupational therapists out there don't view this seated position as a problem necessarily. There's not much evidence that shows causation. That is, yes, children who W-sit often have orthopedic issues and muscle tightness. But W-sitting hasn't been proven to be the cause of those issues, which makes one wonder: could tight hamstrings and hip dysplasia lead to W-sitting, not the other way around?
One such unconvinced therapist, Rachel Coley, happens to be the mother to a W-sitter and maintains it's perfectly normal for kids to sit this way.
She notes that it's a simple sign of flexibility and aids in fine motor control because you need to assume the most stable seated position possible when engaging in tasks that require "coordinated, controlled movements of the hands and fingers." Coley also noted that, for babies in particular, W-sitting provides a convenient, "natural transition" from crawling or kneeling to sitting.
However, based on how strongly most certified therapists feel about W-sitting, I'm not taking any chances. I'm going to keep my eye on it, and I'll encourage other parents who were unaware of this issue to do the same, especially if they have older kids showing some of the negative side effects. But, if my child is having the time of her life smacking two wooden blocks together, I'm not going to spoil the fun if she happens to be W-sitting.
Tricks to Get Baby to Drink From a Bottle
"I have to get my baby to take a bottle but he won't," says Sarah C. in a panic. She's worried about her upcoming six-hour work shift next week. "I've tried expressing my milk, tried formula and different bottles, but he just hates it," she says of her 15-week-old son. Shakira too, would like to give herself an occasional break from breastfeeding, but her daughter won't take a bottle, whether it's filled with breast milk or formula. "I breastfeed my daughter every day, all day, but I would like and really need for her to take a bottle." If you, too, like Sarah and Shakira, feel like a prisoner because your baby refuses a bottle, the following six tips from other moms may help your situation.
1. Make a Bottle That Feels and Tastes Like Mom
Readers say some babies only like milk from a bottle if it's similar - in touch, taste, and temperature - to drinking from mom's breast. Joyce W., for example, says her son is very particular, only wanting mommy. She notes he took breastflow bottles and nipples better and would only drink if the milk was at the right temperature. "When my sister was helping me, she would have to reheat it after he only ate a few ounces," she says.
To find out if your baby is picky about temperature, Sarah M. suggests moms pump and feed the baby the milk in a bottle immediately. If temperature isn't an issue, then perhaps your baby wants to drink from a bottle and nipple that more closely resembles a breast, Nicole N. suggests. "My little girl is breastfed as well and I had a hard time trying to give her a bottle. She refused the bottle every time and would cry and cry." Then Nicole switched to a bottle called Adiri that is shaped like a breast and soft like a breast. "It's the only bottle she will drink out of. It costs about $15 for one bottle, but it is so worth it," she adds.
Maria O. says she had a similar experience, and had to find the "right" bottle for her daughter. "I went from buying the cheapest to the most expensive bottles, then she finally took the Soothie bottles. The bottle's nipple looks exactly like the pacifiers that the hospital gives you." Meanwhile, Sarah G. says she went through about five different types of nipples and finally her daughter took the Adiri bottle. "My son was the same, and would only take Medela nipples. So I think just finding the right nipple is the key," she shares.
2. Move Away From Mom
On the other hand, some readers suggest it helps if moms not bottle feed their babies, but instead put some distance from their children. "My pediatrician told me that I need to leave the house and not be anywhere near my daughter when someone tries to give her a bottle," Adisalem C. says. Previously, she had always been in the house but in another room, and her 22-month-old wouldn't bottle feed. Once she left the house, her husband was successful in getting their daughter to drink from the bottle.
Shelley H.'s breastfeeding coach made a similar recommendation, advising that the bottle not resemble a breast, and to have daddy or someone else give the bottle instead of mom. She also suggested not to repeat your breastfeeding routine (i.e., if you breastfeed in the dark, don't bottle feed that way), Shelley reports. Alley C. says the person trying to give the bottle should have baby face away from them and sit up so that it doesn't remind the baby of breastfeeding.
3. Add a Sweetener
As long as your pediatrician approves, then some moms recommend adding something to the bottle to make it more palatable. For instance, Mallory H. says her 8-month-old refused the bottle until she mixed formula and a baby jar of applesauce in the bottle. Marcy C. admits she thinks sugar is a terrible thing, but the only method that helped her son start taking a bottle was to wet the nipple and put a little sugar on it. "We tried everything with our son. I spent a small fortune on bottles and nearly lost my mind running back and forth to day care while I was working to nurse him," she says. "The small amount [of sugar] he received was worth my sanity."
Meanwhile, Danielle suggests trying to sweeten drinking from a bottle by using breastmilk. "Try putting [baby] on your breast first, then slip the bottle in," she suggest. "He might chew on it for a bit, but then he should start sucking. It may take three or four [tries], but he can then realize what the bottle is for."
4. Be Patient
Getting a baby to drink from a bottle will take a little persistence, moms generally agree. "It took me two months and about 10 different bottles to get my baby girl to feed out of a bottle," Victoria W. reports. "I found the flat nipples worked in the end, but it was just perseverance. Just keep trying, you will get there!" Ali B. says it took her a year to get one of her children to bottle feed. "All I can say is keep trying, be patient."
5. Skip Ahead to a Cup
If you're not having any luck with a bottle, then by all means offer a cup. Sarah M. shares that a friend's daughter would never take a bottle, even when she was little; she would only take a Nuk sippy cup. Christina P. also chose that route, noting that her daughter won't take a bottle but will drink out of a sippy cup, or even a regular cup. Francesca S. says she tried every make and model of bottles, but her 10-month-old daughter drinks best out of a cup with a straw. "She loves the novelty of it. She has been doing that since 4 months old," she says.
6. Ask for Help
When nothing seems to be working, then moms suggest asking an expert for assistance. Doreen P. says she learned her daughter wouldn't take a bottle around 5 months old, but then started taking it around 7 months old because she was teething. Meanwhile Vanessa S. says a speech pathologist helped to assess her son's sucking behavior and provide exercises for his tongue, and then he was able to take a bottle all day.
Of course, as long as mom doesn't mind breastfeeding, then there's no reason your baby needs to drink from a bottle. Kathy B. says her third son refused a bottle - and didn't starve. "I would nurse him before I left and he would refuse to eat until I got home eight hours later. Then he nursed like it was going out of style," she says. "The sitter said he was never fussy though; just wanted to wait for mommy."
Jobs 13 Celebrities Would Be Doing If They Weren't Famous
It's hard to imagine some of our favorite celebrities doing anything except acting, singing, dancing, and posing on the red carpet. But while we've gotten used to stars like Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt, and Kim Kardashian being everywhere, they all actually had a few other dreams outside of making it in Hollywood. From going to space to designing buildings, the dream careers of some of the biggest stars will definitely surprise you. Keep reading to learn them all, then check out the jobs celebrities did before they became famous (some of them are hard to believe!).
10 Reasons Melissa McCarthy Is Already Having the Best Year Ever
Last year was a big year for Melissa McCarthy thanks to the release of Spy, but it looks like 2016 may be even a bigger year for the comedian - if not the best. Not only did she sweep up a handful of trophies this award season, but she's also returning to the big screen in the highly anticipated Ghostbusters reboot, and she recently confirmed her appearance in the Gilmore Girls revival. Plus, who could forget her epic Lip Sync Battle against Jimmy Fallon? With so many exciting moments under her belt already, it's safe to say that Melissa may have already won the year. Take a look at her best moments so far, then see why she's the queen of comedy.
High-risk MS therapy gives trial subjects 'last shot at living'
New Canadian research led by two Ottawa doctors and published in The Lancet medical journal on Thursday suggests a high-risk therapy may stop multiple sclerosis from progressing, and even reverse the disease.
36 Photos of Barack and Michelle Obama's Cutest Moments as America's First Couple
Barack and Michelle Obama first began dating back in 1989 - a film about their first date, Southside With You, will hit theaters in August - and we've gotten to see plenty of heartwarming moments between the first couple since they entered the White House nearly eight years ago. Whether they're holding hands during public appearances or embarrassing daughters Malia and Sasha by stealing a smooch, Michelle and Barack have set a standard for presidential couples to come - and reminded us what "family values" actually looks like.
A Look at Charming Prince Philip Through the Years
Before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth, she married the handsome foreign Prince Philip from Greece, who also happens to be her third cousin. According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography titled Elizabeth the Queen, Philip came from a tumultuous background despite his lineage. Born in 1921 on the island of Corfu, he moved to Paris with his parents, Alice Marie and Prince Andrew of Greece, at age 1. By age 8, he'd headed to England for boarding school. With generous good looks and confidence, Philip made his way to England with the help of royal relatives. He would later be invited to have lunch with the royal family, and that's when Elizabeth reportedly fell for him. During World War II, Philip and Elizabeth wrote each other letters, and by 1946, he was back in London and making regular visits to Buckingham Palace. During that Summer, he spent a month at the royal family's Balmoral Estate, where he proposed. Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947.
During their 68 years of marriage, most of them during Elizabeth's reign as the monarch, Prince Philip has been as constant as the queen herself, although he's a bit more controversial, making a few insensitive gaffes. But when he's not giving the press an unfortunate quote to run, he's either by the queen's side, working as a patron for several charities, or, until recently, enjoying carriage racing. In honor of his 95th birthday this week, let's look back at pictures of Prince Philip over the years, then see the facts about the British royal family every die-hard fan should know.
Overdose crisis is 'our Ebola', says Dr. Mark Tyndall
A top B.C. addiction doctor is calling for longer hours at the safe injection sites and a better ear when listening to people struggling with addiction.
42 Scorching Emily Ratajkowski Snaps That Will Blur Your Vision
Emily Ratajkowski first turned heads with her NSFW appearance in the "Blurred Lines" video back in 2013, but since then she's made a name for herself on the big screen alongside Ben Affleck in Gone Girl and Zac Efron in We Are Your Friends. Not only has she gained fame for being gorgeous, funny, and fashionable, but Emily's Instagram feed has become something of a go-to for sexy snaps. Let's be honest: her body is banging, and there's no mystery as to why it's featured prominently on her social media accounts - and why Kim Kardashian tapped her for one of her own topless photos. We've rounded up over 40 of the hottest photos Emily has shared - scroll through to see them all now.
This Incredible 12-Year-Old Boy Makes Teddy Bears For Sick Children
Campbell Remess is giving back to sick children and families from his bedroom! He creates a handmade teddy bear each day for someone in need, and he's spreading his mission worldwide with his Project 365 by Campbell.
jeudi 9 juin 2016
Good Samaritans Save Stranded Dogs From Texas Floods
Amid the flooding in Texas, some pets were left behind as their humans fled for dry land. It's hard for us to understand leaving your pet behind, and thankfully, some Good Samaritans agreed. A post on Reddit with the headline "Dad and my little brother saving dogs from the rising flood waters" shows dogs that had been left behind in the floods in Brazoria County being rescued by a group of guys. Redditor DUSTYHAM said in the thread that the dogs had been taken to local shelters, and he mentions in several comments how people can offer help and donations.
Look through the Imgur gallery to see the Good Samaritans in action, and then click over to Reddit to find out how you can help!
Dad and my little brother saving dogs from the rising flood waters(Brazoria County, Texas)
How a Simple Garden Hose Gave a Little Boy Second-Degree Burns
Dominique Woodger thought she was giving her baby boy a great Summer experience as she turned on the garden hose to fill up a kiddie pool in her backyard, but she ended up giving her 9-month-old son, Nicholas, second-degree burns over 30 percent of his body.
The Phoenix-area mom told KNXV TV she had no idea the water coming out of the hose was even hot when she accidentally sprayed her son.
"I thought he was crying because he was mad . . . he hates when he gets sprayed in the face," Woodger said. "I didn't think it was burning him."
But almost immediately, his skin began peeling and blisters formed along his right side.
That day, it was 115 degrees, which means the water inside the hose – when left out in the sun – could reach as high as 150 degrees, the station noted.
"At those temperatures, something as short as a 10- or 30-second exposure can result in a second-degree burn," the city's fire department captain, Larry Subervi, said.
Thankfully, the boy is making a full recovery. Woodger's advice: "Just be careful. Touch it before you let your kids near it."
Chris Evans's Old Cover Letter Has Everything You Would Look For in a New Hire (and a Boyfriend)
Image Source: Getty / Mark Davis
We all know that Chris Evans is basically a perfect human. From his adorable quirk when he laughs to his cute new romance with Jenny Slate to his insanely handsome face, he's our ideal everything. But while we always thought of him as perfect boyfriend material, we now know that he's also the perfect employee. The Captain America: Civil War actor took to Twitter on Thursday to share a hilarious photo of an old cover letter he wrote while trying to get a theater internship during the Summer of 1998. In addition to saying that he would allow "someone to take advantage of a hardworking individual like me," he also states that he would make himself available for an interview anytime, anywhere. Chris then revealed that his passionate words worked, following up his initial tweet with, "And the resume/headshot I sent along with it is BEYOND humiliating. Truly comical. Luckily it did somehow lead to an internship. #dumbluck." Read the hilarious letter below to fall even more in love with him.
Wow. My dad found the letter I sent to DOZENS of casting directors during my junior year. Hilarious. #bestsummerever http://pic.twitter.com/9pyZxAVisk
- Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) June 8, 2016
Relive Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas's Real-Life Fairy-Tale Romance
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas welcomed their second son together earlier this month, and it got us reminiscing about how their whirlwind romance began. The Once Upon a Time stars took their fairy-tale love off screen in Fall 2011, got engaged two years later, and tied the knot in April 2014. Throughout the years, they've shared many sweet moments together, both as Snow White and Prince Charming on OUAT and off screen. Keep reading to see their love story unfold, from their first red carpet appearance to their fun Harry Potter-themed Halloween costumes!
How Female Ninja Jessie Graff Became Our Real-Life Superhero
As one of the female competitors on NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Jessie Graff has become a fan favorite. Tag along with Jessie as she trains for season eight and see how she plans to beat out the men for good this time!
Jessica Alba's Sweet Family of 4 Really Belongs in Those Store-Bought Frames
Jessica Alba is a talented actress and a powerful businesswoman, but above all, she's a dedicated mom to her two adorable daughters, Honor, 8, and Haven, 4. The star wed producer Cash Warren in May 2008, and since then, the family of four has shared so many precious moments together. In addition to documenting their sweet home life on Instagram, Jessica also steps out with her brood for holiday parties, fun red carpets, and standout events. Keep reading to see all their frame-worthy snaps!
Kate Middleton May Be a Duchess, but She's Giving Us Major Prom Queen Vibes
Kate Middleton fulfilled one of her royal duties on Thursday, meeting with both current and former athletes from SportsAid. Since 2013, Kate has been a patron of the program, which aims to help young, unfunded British athletes raise money to compete as Olympians and Paralympians. The duchess mingled with ambassadors, athletes, and alumni in the Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace, looking every bit of the pretty prom queen in a cobalt-blue gown by Roland Mouret. Inside, she delivered a speech on the important work of SportsAid and the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio, saying, "The brilliance of SportsAid is in really understanding just how much athletic competition gives to our country as a whole," adding, "By investing in young sporting talent, they ensure that there is a strong pipeline of inspirational heroes."
It's already been a busy year for Kate, who, in addition to carrying out her work responsibilities, has been spending sweet quality time with her two kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Just days after a sporty sailing lesson at the Portsmouth docks, Kate and Prince William took their little ones to watch the Houghton Hall International Horse Trials near their Anmer Hall country home; onlookers spotted the royal couple "literally just having an ordinary day out, sitting on the grass in jeans" with the toddlers.
The 23 Signs You're Not Completely Failing as a Parent
Even though most people know that being a parent won't come without its struggles before they have a baby on board, most just don't realize how hard it can be - at all times. One thing that makes parenthood even tougher is the uncertainty in regards to how you're actually doing. You don't get scored or graded for raising tiny human beings so it can be hard to judge if you're actually doing a pretty amazing job - despite it feeling like you're constantly messing everything up. Even if most of your days seem to have at least one major #MomFail, these are the 23 signs that you're actually a rock star mama!
The Donut Bar At This Little Lamb Baby Shower Makes The Sweetest Addition
The following post was originally featured on Pretty My Party and written by Cristy Mishkula, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Moms.
This Mary Had A Little Lamb Baby Shower was truly the sweetest celebration for mom-to-be Mary. Together her auntie and grandmother hosted an extravagant baby shower at The Toll House in Los Gatos, Calif. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the arrival of little Max Marie! The donut bar was the cutest dessert bar ever!!! Stacks of donuts and beautiful details made this celebration extra sweet!
For more party details, visit Pretty My Party.
13 Father's Day Gifts For New and Expectant Dads
If you're celebrating a new dad or dad-to-be on June 19, you'll want to commemorate the occasion with something special. Whether he's rugged and ready for adventure, seeking out the advice of other dads who have been there before, or worried about getting cabin fever during the new baby's first few weeks, we've rounded 9 some super thoughtful ideas for your man of honor. Scroll down and get inspired!
This Is Why Women Really Get That Pregnancy Glow
When I was pregnant, I heard it all the time: "You're glowing!"
It was a common greeting I'd receive, one that I took as a supreme compliment. Truth be told, I think many people said it because it's become just one of those things you say to pregnant women, akin with "you're about to pop!" and the less appreciated "are you sure you aren't having twins?"
There had to be some truth to the statement, however, because sometimes I'd look in the mirror and notice the glow myself. Sure, it was summertime, but my skin looked dewier. Some days, it was as if I was blushing.
Could my pregnancy glow really just be because I was so happy to be having a baby? Nope, not at all, it turns out.
"In pregnancy, blood volume naturally increases and there is also a natural dilation of blood vessels . . . to maintain proper blood flow to the placenta," gynecologist Dr. Felice Gersh told Hello Giggles. "These effects cause increased blood flow to the skin, and in particular of the face, giving it a lovely, healthy glow."
Hormonal changes have also been known to contribute to this glow, which doesn't show up in all pregnant women because of differing skin types, color, and thickness.
If you don't notice a pregnancy glow, don't feel too upset.
"As a matter of fact, you might count yourself lucky," Dr. Sara Gaspard, a dermatologist, said in the same interview. "Some women who do experience pregnancy glow find that their bodies overreact, and the higher oil production triggers acne flares."
Plus, pimples or not, people will probably tell you you're glowing anyway.
Pregnancy Obsessions That Seem Ridiculous Once You Have Kids
The plight of the pregnant woman is real: excited, anxious, tired, and reeling from the attention of strangers who want to know more about your biological success. If it's your first, being pregnant is a mind cave in which you feel great and also terrified. A kite and doomed. We all handle this in different ways, but I got lost in predictive dreaming. I obsessed. And I had some very healthy obsessions. I knew, since I was having a kid, that there was so much I needed to know and be ready for. I was determined to do it the right way. (I did not yet grasp that the right way is just your own way). So I spent a lot of time thinking about cloth diapers.
Cloth Diapers
Really. A lot of time. I read blogs and websites and did research on diaper services. In retrospect, the time invested doesn't make sense. Just, why? I didn't know how they worked. But I could have ordered a set and figured it out when the baby arrived. Instead, I had to read every single piece of advice that any cloth-using mother had ever dispensed. I read about detergents you had to special order and toilet spray attachments and washing routines. I can no longer remember whether it gave me pleasure or increased my anxiety, but I thought about it with passion. It's something I do not think about at all, now, six years after my first.
Names
Every expectant couple dreams up names. It's fun. It's wacky. It's a wide-open game. Family politics may or may not be involved. We liked to test our names on other people, yet not the ones we thought we'd really use. It became a fun social experiment. There was the time I tested "Frieder, boy name" on a waitress in California who was German, and she recoiled. She said it was like the name of your nasty old science teacher. Conservative and retro. Baby name hopes dashed. One thing I liked about the name game is that most people cannot hide their reaction to a name. No one is diplomatic about names. So we obsessed. We made lists. And we paid attention to other babies, though we really didn't know any babies.
Then, in the hospital, we went over the girl names with my sister, who diplomatically pointed out that if we named her "Rilla," people would hear "Willa." And thus we gave our daughter a name that was not on the list. There is relief, not being pregnant, of no longer having to think about names. The second time around we spent just enough time on names to find one we agreed on, and that was settled.
Baby Attire
The main reason we didn't find out the sex of my child during pregnancy was to prevent people from sending me baby pink. Both my husband and I felt we'd have a girl. It wasn't rational, but I was adamantly against pink. It was like an aversion, particularly to baby pink. I thought most baby clothing was ugly and spent a lot of time dreaming about better, modern babywear. Of course, once we had a girl, people sent us pink anyway. And that was OK. Well, actually, I recycled a lot of it. But I tried so hard to avoid pink with my first. Now that I have an older girl and a second girl, I care a lot less about the "look" of their clothing. The toddler goes out in completely pink/purple outfits and I don't think twice about it.
Running
I thought when my baby wasn't sleeping, we would probably be running. It was hard, not being able to run regularly while pregnant. I fell in love with swimming. But once my baby was born, I was certain we'd be in the jogger, like, all the time. Every day. Then she was born, and I couldn't run. Then I was too tired to run. Then we ran, but really, it didn't take up all that much time. We started walking more, and more, and more. I found I preferred running on my own, for myself, without my babe.
When you're pregnant, your dreams of your child are, consciously or not, a projection of your own self, full of hopes for a generic child or an ideal child. Then your children arrive as real, physical people. It becomes strangely elemental: they are simple, and they are beautifully complex. It seems silly not to let them grow as they choose, as they must, and let yourself grow with them.
See Natalie Portman's Evolution From Rising Star to Hollywood Role Model
Natalie Portman turns 35 on Thursday! The Oscar winner and Harvard grad has grown up in front of the camera; after getting her start at age 13 in The Professional, Natalie starred in films like Garden State, V For Vendetta, and the Star Wars saga. In 2011, she took home an Academy Award for her role in Black Swan, shortly before giving birth to her son, Aleph. A year later, she married French choreographer Benjamin Millepied, and the family of three now lives in Paris. In addition to her illustrious film career, Ivy League education, and glamorous style, Natalie is also a great role model, speaking out on important issues like depression, racism, and religion. In honor of Natalie's big day, we've rounded up her most memorable photos over the years. Look through to see Natalie evolve from smiley rising star to gorgeous wife and mother.
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Have Years of Adorable Moments
It's hard to believe it's already been four years since Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves got married on June 9, 2012, in Texas! The couple, who started dating in 2006, have three children together and are constantly on the go with their adorable family of five. Matthew and Camila manage to have many cute moments together, and we're rounding them all up right here. Read through to see their sweetest snaps, and congrats to Matthew and Camila on their anniversary.
All of Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade's Slam-Dunk Relationship Snaps
Actress Gabrielle Union and NBA star Dwyane Wade started dating in 2009, and in August 2014, they tied the knot in Miami in front of their closest family and friends. The couple has given us no shortage of sweet PDA moments over the years. Now we're taking a look at their cutest photos together - keep reading to see them all now, and then check out all the reasons Gabrielle is simply the best!
Flashback to When These Famous Couples Went Public For the First Time
It's kind of a big deal when a celebrity couple steps out together as an item for the first time, because a media frenzy is pretty much guaranteed. To celebrate all the duos that put their love on display, we're taking a look back at the first time these couples went public - whether it was at a red carpet or at a party where they knew they'd be seen together. Warning: you're about to feel a lot of nostalgia (especially for those couples who aren't together anymore).
David Beckham Bonds With Children During His "Inspiring" Visit to Africa
While we enjoy living vicariously through celebrities when they show off their jet-setting and glamorous lives on Instagram, we also really love it when they share heartwarming and real moments with their millions of followers. David Beckham did just that this week when he posted sweet photos from his recent trip to Africa with UNICEF and his charity, 7. The retired soccer star visited Swaziland and met with children who are living with HIV. The goodwill ambassador wrote about his experience on social media, calling the trip "inspiring" and saying the work of his charity in the community makes him "very proud." Keep reading to see more from his visit, then check out his family's cutest moments together.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Hit the Red Carpet Hand in Hand
Ellen DeGeneres had the loving support of wife Portia de Rossi at the LA premiere of her new movie, Finding Dory, on Wednesday evening. In addition to flashing their bright smiles for the cameras, the pair - who have been together for over 10 years - put on a loving display, holding hands as they walked down the red carpet. The last time the couple made a public appearance together was at the Saint Laurent fashion show in LA back in February, though Portia often takes to social media to share sweet photos of the two. Read on for more cute pictures, then check out 18 power couples who are slaying (or will soon slay) same-sex marriage.
What Animal Do You Think This Little Girl Was Going For When She Drew a Family of Penises?
Kids don't just tell it like they see it - they draw it too! In this hysterical video, one dad captured his little girl's work of art, which she described as a family of giraffes but adults are seeing as something entirely different. While the innocent child doesn't see anything funny about her sidewalk art, we're beyond grateful to her dad for sharing her amazing creation (and explanation!) with the world.
Khloé Kardashian Serves Ice Cream to People During a Supersweet LA Outing
Khloé Kardashian made a supersweet outing in LA on Wednesday when she was spotted handing out free ice cream to people from the Coolhaus truck. The reality TV star, who was promoting her new apps available on the Apple Store, looked simply gorgeous in her tan jumpsuit with bright lipstick. In between scooping delicious treats for the crowd, she also stopped to take a few selfies and happily chatted with fans. Honestly, she looked so amazing, we're surprised the ice cream didn't melt. When she's not turning up the heat, Khloé is also one amazing aunt, posting tons of photos with the famous family's adorable little ones. Keep scrolling for more pictures of her sugar-filled outing.
Every Parent Needs to See This Photo of What Happens When You Don't Vaccinate Your Kids
It's difficult to look at current photos of 11-month-old Elijah for long. The baby boy contracted chicken pox, which covered his face and body in painful, blistering scabs and sores. As horrifying as these images are, they don't even show that he's also suffering from a secondary infection brought on by the virus.
So, how did this happen?
According to Kayley Burke, the baby's mother, it's simple: because people don't vaccinate their children.
"Our poor baby boy is too young to be immunized," she wrote in a heart-wrenching Facebook post. "Vaccinate your kids, people . . . Think about the risk you are putting on other helpless kids what are too young to who actually can't be vaccinated!"
A baby as young as Elijah getting chicken pox, also known as varicella, is certainly uncommon. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies receive antibodies against the virus from their mothers while in the womb that protect them in their first year of life – before they are old enough to get the vaccine at around 12 to 15 months of age.
However, because chicken pox is so contagious and can be passed from person to person - particularly between those who've gone unvaccinated - with remarkable ease, it's possible for babies to get a mild case. In rare cases, even healthy babies and children can develop serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain swelling, or a bacterial skin infection.
Meanwhile, the varicella vaccine is proven to prevent severe illness in almost all children and is 85 percent effective in preventing even mild illness.
As for Elijah, not only was he admitted to the hospital after a week of agony, but Kayley and her 3-year-old daughter also contracted the viral illness.
"Adult chicken pox is so horrible and painful, I would much rather give birth with no pain relief," she wrote. "Bottom line, if you don't vaccinate your kids, you're a bloody idiot."
Sorry, Dory, but Mario Lopez and His Family Are Way Cuter Than Any Pixar Movie
Maybe Pixar should take a break from Dory and Nemo so they can make a movie about Mario Lopez and his adorable family, because we can't get enough of them. The Extra host walked the red carpet at the Finding Dory premiere in Hollywood on Wednesday with wife Courtney Laine Mazza and their two supercute children, Gia and Dominic, who look more like their parents every day. Gia, 5, is already proving herself to be quite a red carpet queen thanks to multiple appearances with her dad at the premieres of 42nd Street and The Jungle Book, and Dominic, 2, is basically a teeny-tiny A. C. Slater. So cute! See more photos of the Lopez family below, and then check out Mario and Courtney's best social media snaps of their kids!
This Little Boy Was Caught Sneaking Into His Neighbor's Garage - Just to Steal a Hug From Their Dog
When Hollie Mallet came across a clip of a little boy sneaking into her garage while scrolling through security footage, she understandably wanted to find out who the child was.
The Louisiana woman continued to watch the footage and saw that the young boy wasn't up to any trouble - the only thing he stole was a quick hug from their dog. Hollie realized that she recognized the boy because she's seen him occasionally stop at the end of her driveway with a ball to toss at their dog. "We live in small town so everyone pretty much knows everyone, but we don't know all the neighborhood kids because we don't have small children anymore," Hollie told ABC News.
She posted the heartwarming clip on Facebook in hopes that someone could help identify her pet's new friend. The video quickly made its way to Josh Breaux's mom, Ginger Breaux, who had mixed feelings when she first saw it.
"Josh talks about your dog all the time!" Ginger commented on the video. "Every time we pass he looks to see if she was sitting where he could see her. Just didn't know he was doing things like this. Last night when I first saw it, I was torn as a momma being happy and upset because he knows he shouldn't be on someone's property, but I wake up this morning more happy that he just absolutely adores dogs so much."
Ginger later shared that Josh's beloved dog, who has been a part of their family since the boy was 2 years old, recently passed away and the family hasn't replaced her yet. Hollie has been more than happy to encourage a friendship between Josh and her pup. "Its' a win-win. They both get a friend," Hollie explained. "With my husband and I at work all day, it's great for him to come and find her to play. Every day since, he's been coming back and he's been playing with her and it's so fun to check the video at the end of the day to watch them."
Disney's First Latina Princess Announces Her Debut Date
Disney's newest princess - and its first Latina princess - will officially make her television debut on Friday, July 22, at 7 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel. But for those who can't wait until the big day to meet Elena of Avalor, Disney is offering verified users of the Disney Channel app a full-length preview of the first episode, "First Day of Rule," beginning Friday, July 1.
A highly anticipated addition to the Disney Channel lineup, Elena of Avalor will be geared toward children between 2 and 11 years old and will tell the story of a teenage princess who has been trapped within a jeweled amulet for decades, has to journey all through her kingdom to find her parents, and take her rightful place on the throne - but she'll need to defeat an evil sorceress to do so. The show will feature a hat tip to Latin and Hispanic cultures through architecture, traditions, food, and, of course, music. The show's theme song is performed by Gaby Moreno, Latin Grammy Award winner for best new artist, while Elena's anthem "My Time" is performed by Aimee Carrero, who also voices Elena on the show.
The show will feature storylines designed to sharpen kids' cognitive skills while promoting their ethical development. The show was created by Craig Gerber, who also brought us Sophia the First, and the excitement prior to the debut has already led Disney to schedule an Elena and the Secret of Avalor movie to air on Disney Channel this Fall, as well as arrange for Elena to appear for meet-and-greets at Walt Disney World.
We don't know about you, but we're already setting our DVRs for July 22!
Lindsay Lohan Calls Kourtney Kardashian Her "Twin" During a Fun Night Out Together in London
Ever since touching down in London earlier this week, Kourtney Kardashian has had a pretty busy few days. First, she turned heads at Glamour's Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday, where she wore a plunging red dress that simply stunned. The next day, she walked the red carpet at an event for Manuka Doctor honey and skin care products in a supercute black and gray crop top and later met up with Lindsay Lohan for a night on the town at Loulou's club.
Lindsay - who now lives in London - attended Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries in 2011 and is apparently still close with the Kardashian clan since she posted a fun selfie of herself and the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star on Instagram, writing, "#theparenttrap my #twin @kourtneykardash has arrived!! 🙏🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸💋🙏." Kourtney also posted a few fun snaps of their evening to her own Instagram, including a snap of her twirling around in Lindsay's red and blue fringe dress the morning after. Must have been quite a night, huh? Keep reading to see more photos!
20 Children's Books About Dads
Reading books is a wonderful experience that parents and their children can share daily, and there are quite a few cherished children's books that explore the relationship between fathers and their kiddos in particular that your little and their dad might enjoy reading together. From funny books about Dad's snoring or his love of Star Wars, to tender reads that show just how much dads care about their kids, these 20 children's books are great for reading on any day of the year, especially Father's Day.
Jennifer Garner Looks Simply Lovely While Out and About in LA
Jennifer Garner looked as lovely as ever on Wednesday when she stepped out for a casual outing in LA. After making a sunny appearance with her daughters earlier this week, the actress - who just returned home after spending some quality time with her family in London - looked like a true beauty as she ran a few errands around town. While she has yet to comment on the reports that her estranged husband, Ben Affleck, may want to get back together, her outfit did reveal that she's feeling nothing but "LOVE" these days.
5 Things You'll Forget to Do For Your Wife After the Kid Is Born, So Here's a Reminder
The relationship you have with your partner can change after you have a child. This post, originally featured by our friends at Fatherly, shares five simple ways fathers can show appreciation for the mother of their child.
The following was syndicated from The Huffington Post as a part of The Daddy Diaries for The Fatherly Forum, a community of parents and influencers with insights about work, family, and life. If you'd like to join the Forum, drop us a line at TheForum@Fatherly.com.
OK fellas, let's be honest. Before you had a kid, when you first noticed an attractive woman, you probably weren't thinking, "Would she make a good mom?" That question might have arisen somewhere in the back of your medulla oblongata, but it wasn't in the top 500 things you would think about when you first felt intoxicated by her scent.
But when you become a father, if you really fall head over heels with the baby, you begin to appreciate the woman with whom you share the awesome responsibility of parenting in an entirely new light.
I watch through bleary eyes as Michelle wakes up at 90-minute intervals night after night. How rather than drag her body like a burlap sack full of marbles the way I do, she springs from the bed at Lev's slightest whimper. She holds him for hours, smiling and laughing, caressing him, with a love that is overflowing and endlessly energizes her. Yes, she gets tired, but she places Lev's needs far above her own. She never complains or suggests we leave him on someone's doorstep.
As I observe her selfless way of caring for him, I see that Lev has been teaching her what love means. I watch from the sidelines as my infant son blows Michelle's heart and mind wide open, creating new horizons of sensitivity and patience. It's like one of those dreams where suddenly the house you live in has a new room and you wander through it, exploring it with a sense of ether and amazement. He has set us both off on that dreamlike expansion of the arteries and aeries that surround the human heart.
Michelle excels as a student of love. I know she is going to get an A+ at the end of the semester, except the semester never ends. It's actually one long final exam, but that's not the point.
At least we have the same professor. He is a ruthless little pedant with unusual teaching methods. He literally sh*ts all over us, pees in our faces, and abuses us throughout the night with mysterious shouts and grunts. He regularly farts loudly in the middle of class. The homework is relentless, and he never lets us out for recess. However, neither Michelle or I has ever encountered a teacher as powerful as this little 8-pound bundle of wisdom and poo. It may be 4 a.m., but I stare at him, tiny guru, fire-starter, gnomic wizard, and I bow. I would bring him an apple, but he has no teeth.
Still, with that gummy little grin he has taught us both what love really means: to give everything of oneself happily, to forgo sleep, food, and showers without question or hesitation, simply and utterly because you are so magnetically drawn to protect and nurture another human being.
It's a lesson we're never done learning.
Speaking of lessons, here are five simple ways to show your partner you appreciate her in her new role as a mom:
- Tell Her You Love Her at Least Once Every Day
Especially now, in the weeks and months after a baby is born, women are going through some major hormonal changes. Be patient. Allow her to be upset even if you can't understand why. Just be her rock. She may not say it now, but she will thank you in a few years. By then you will be bald. But it's better to be bald and thanked than bald and hated. - When You Cuddle With Your Baby, Don't Forget to Give Wife a Kiss
No matter how exhausted, she will appreciate it. It's easy to get caught up in staring at the newborn; stare at your lady, too. She needs attention just as much as the baby does. And possibly some A&D ointment. - I Know You Haven't Slept For Weeks, but Take a Shower and Shave
It's a wordless way to show her you still care, even though you feel like a cigar just exploded in your face. - Tell Her She Is Beautiful as Often and Sincerely as Possible
Because she just had your baby, her body has obviously gone through some serious changes. Even the most confident woman needs to hear that a lot, especially postpregnancy. Also a tender kiss would be nice, even though she will perhaps stop you at that. For a few weeks, you can once again pretend to be a teenager who is prevented from getting to second base. - Do the Freaking Dishes, You Barbarian
Take care of the laundry. Clean up around the house. She might not even notice, but on some level, she will. Anyway, it's your mess, too. And your tidy whiteys don't look all that tidy.
6 Things Every Responsible Parent Needs to Know About Their Sunscreen
We all know about sunscreen and how important it is for not just us, but our kids, to wear it. But with the drugstore packed with hundreds of different brands, promising as many different variations of coverage - SPF 15 or 50? UVA or UVB? - it's hard to know what's the safest one to use to keep our family safe.
"The sun is amazing, but it's also risky, and every day you step outside, you should be considering it," Christopher Gavigan, the cofounder of The Honest Company, told POPSUGAR.
The father of four should know: he's spent the past several years working on the company's line of sunscreens - the latest iteration, an all-ages SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion, just launched this week - and regularly speaks with consumers about their sunscreen concerns. In fact, following some negative feedback surrounding the efficacy of the brand's SPF 30 sunscreen, Gavigan spoke with "well over 30 to 40 people who had less-than-positive experiences" to find out what he could learn.
One of the key realizations he discovered was the importance of education. The best sunscreen on the market provides little protection if it's not used properly.
"We all lead busy lives, but we have to be mindful and slow down," he said of the need to do more than buy the bottle that simply looks best. "If you learn this information once, you'll know it for the rest of your life. These are the tools you'll have to prevent burning, skin damage, and - God forbid - cancer over a lifetime. And over your children's lifetimes as well."
Here, the most important sunscreen questions you might not have even thought to ask, answered.
1. What's the Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens - and Does It Matter?
All sunscreens fall into one of these two categories:
Mineral. A mineral sunscreen is a physical barrier that sits on top of the skin and actively reflects the sun's rays. If you look at the label, you'll see either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. "We use zinc," Gavigan said of the brand's product line. "It's the only single ingredient that does the full, broad spectrum - UVA and UVB. With titanium, you have to blend it with other ingredients to get full coverage. You'll never see titanium dioxide on its own."
Chemical. Active ingredients like oxybenzone or octinoxate absorb the energy of the sun's rays into the upper layers of the dermis, where it's converted to heat and then dispersed in the skin. The issue? Studies show that these sunscreens not only penetrate the skin but go even deeper, into the blood stream. Although effects aren't known, "we believe that what's inside of you can potentially affect your health," Gavigan said. "So, in this case, we take the 'better safe than sorry' approach."
So, why would anyone choose chemical? Well, a few reasons:
There's a misconception surrounding what's organic.
Although chemical sunscreens are also known as "organic," they aren't in the sense consumers expect. It has nothing to do with being raised without pesticides. In chemistry, "organic" actually means that the chemical is built from carbon molecules. You'll never see a mineral sunscreen with the word "organic" on the bottle solely because those don't contain carbon molecules.
The spreadability factor.
A common complaint with mineral sunscreens is that, because they are made from minerals, they're harder to spread smoothly and evenly on the skin. Thus, brands like Honest have reformulated their solutions to reduce the amount of zinc oxide with the help of "active boosters" to make them more physically appealing for users.
2. Does "Broad Spectrum" Really Mean Anything?
Your SPF-labeled sunscreen protects you against sunburn, redness that is a result of UVB rays. If you also want your sunscreen to offer scientifically proven protection against UVA rays, which are the ones that can cause skin cancer, damage, and aging, you better make sure your sunscreen has "broad spectrum" written on it.
3. The Higher the SPF, the Better?
Not necessarily. When it comes to the degree of protection a product offers, "The FDA is constantly adjusting their recommendations," Gavigan told us, adding that the newest guidelines state that SPF 50+ is the highest you can go. "If you see SPF 200, SPF 75, SPF 90 . . . those numbers aren't meaningful in the end product."
What an SPF means is this: with an SPF 15, it will take your skin 15 times longer to redden than if you weren't wearing any sunscreen at all. (If it takes you 20 minutes to redden sans protection, using SPF 15 should give you 300 minutes of protection from UVB rays - you'd need to reapply more often to protect against damaging UVA ones.)
The minimum recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology is SPF 30. Although a higher number will give you more coverage in theory, in practice, your protection level has far more to do with how you apply the sunscreen. To be safe, Gavigan recommends staying in the SPF 30-50 range.
4. So, Why Am I Still Getting Burned?
"We take sun protection seriously, but it's an inherently risky category," Gavigan admitted. "When you're out playing in the sun or on the beach, or even in the day-to-day." Although every person's skin varies, in his research and in speaking with consumers, he noted a few common considerations.
- Did you use enough?
For most adults, one ounce of sunscreen - roughly the volume of a golf ball - is typically enough to cover the exposed portion of the body. Kids in swimsuits might require the same or slightly less if they have protective clothing. - Did you reapply?
Reapplication is not stressed enough by the FDA, Gavigan noted. "With all sunscreens, you need to reapply, especially when you are in and around the water or sweating. If a sunscreen is water-resistant, that doesn't mean it's waterproof," he said. "And if you towel-dry, you just moved it around and off your body. You'd need to immediately reapply then and again at least every two hours." - Did you read the instructions?
Not many people read the label, Gavigan found, but to him, that's the most important step. "You look at the label for Baby Tylenol - you are going to pay attention to that expiration date and those usage instructions," Gavigan said. "You should absolutely look at how to use a product. 'Apply liberally, shake well . . . ' It's all on there for a reason."
5. Can I Put Sunscreen on My Baby?
The FDA has regulatory rules that prohibit sunscreen use on babies under 6 months of age, but for newborns born in the Summer months, that might feel unrealistic. Don't grab the nearest baby-safe sunscreen just yet, however.
"I would encourage parents to do research when they see the word 'baby' in the marketplace to look at the safety of the ingredients and to check with their pediatricians," he said. "You want to ensure that when you are using something on a baby under that age, you are using the right type and the right amount." Zinc oxide, for instance, is also in diaper rash ointments.
6. What's Better - a Lotion, Stick, or Spray?
As long as they are used correctly, they all are equally effective, relative to their protection levels. "Some kids prefer the spray, parents might feel better using a lotion, younger kids might take to the stick because they can apply it themselves," Gavigan said. "Bottom line, you want your family to be covered, so use whatever range is best for everyone, from baby to grandparent."
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