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.
mardi 21 juin 2016
Do You Ask If There Are Guns in Your Kids' Friends' Homes?
Here's a post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we bring you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this about kids playing in homes with guns.
My five year old is now at the glorious age of the drop off playdate. I can now drop him off at a friend's house, not stay and not look back for several blissful hours. This comes with a new set of worries.
The question never occurred to me before I watched one of those prime time news specials: "Do you ask your children's playdates if they have guns in the home?"
Related: Parents' make a heartbreaking tribute to their son
We live in an area of the country where many take pride in their gun ownership and many people own and use guns for reasons ranging from personal protection to hunting. One town over, there's a legal ordinance that heads of household are "required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition therefore."
A few houses down on my street a neighbor has a sign outside her home that reads, "This home is protected by the 2nd Amendment". That neighbor doesn't have any children at home. But what about our other neighbor who has a child in my son's classroom?
Don't get me wrong, I'm fully in support of anyone exercising their Second Amendment rights. However, with rights come responsibilities. My true concern isn't whether or not my neighbors have guns, but if they are locked away and stored safely especially when children are present.
Children, mine especially, are naturally curious. My daughter has a knack for finding the dirtiest and most dangerous item in any room. It's nice to assume that all parents who own guns are responsible and take the necessary safety precautions, but I've found that isn't always the case. Some people feel safer with their guns loaded and in places where they can get to them quickly, like a drawer or a closet. The number of times my daughter has come to me and handed me embarrassing items she found in my dresser is enough to convince me that storing anything dangerous there is a bad idea.
I recently found out that a friend's husband keeps a loaded weapon in his briefcase. It doesn't get locked up when he comes home. His home office is in an open part of the house where our children have played together.
The morning after the news special about guns, I asked my 5-year-old what he would do if he was playing at a friend's house and found a gun. He had no clue. I explained to him that if he sees a gun, don't touch it, don't play with it, and immediately tell an adult. I asked him again a week later and he doesn't remember.
From now on, I'll be asking parents about the status of their guns before playdates.
More great reads from BabyCenter:
Teacher pays it forward and buys hot lunch for 60 students
What do laundry and postbaby sex have to do with each other?
How to create a lantern festival with your kids
5 tips for streamlining your laundry routine
32 Onesies Every Pop-Culture-Lovin' Parent Needs to Dress Their Baby In
If you're a parent who has an overflowing DVR, cancels plans to make sure you can watch Game of Thrones, and quotes movies and television like it's your job, it's time you started dressing your baby appropriately. Seeing as babies essentially live in onesies for a good chunk of their early days, we've combined the necessity of a comfy onesie with your favorite movies and TV shows through a curated a selection of onesies that will allow your baby's #OOTD to match your obsessions.
Look through for 32 onesies every pop-culture-lovin' parent needs to dress their baby in.
Check Out Disney's New Frozen Attraction That's Officially Open For Fans
Having trouble deciding what to make your first destination on your next visit to Walt Disney World? If you have little Elsa and Anna fans, that will no longer be a question. Almost a year after announcing the new Frozen Ever After ride, Disney is ready to welcome visitors to Arendelle this Summer.
The Frozen Ever After ride replaced the Maelstrom attraction in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, and we have an inside look at the magical space. Read on for all the details on what is sure to become Epcot's most popular attraction.
Why This Photo of a Little Girl Standing on a Toilet Will Keep You Up at Night
"I took this picture because initially I thought it was funny." That's how Michigan mom Stacey Wehrman Feeley began a Facebook post, centered on an image of her young daughter standing on their bathroom toilet.
But the instant her child told her what she was actually doing, Feeley broke down in tears.
"She was practicing for a lockdown drill at her preschool and what you should do if you are stuck in a bathroom," she wrote. "At that moment, all innocence of what I thought my three-year-old possessed was gone."
Feeley decided to post the powerful image with an accompanying message begging for more gun control and changes to the nation's current laws. It has more than 7,000 reactions and has been shared more than 10,000 times since she posted it last week.
Below, read an excerpt from her post, and click the image above to see it in its entirety:
Politicians - take a look. This is your child, your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and future generations to come. They will live their lives and grow up in this world based on your decisions. They are barely 3 and they will hide in bathroom stalls standing on top of toilet seats. I do not know what will be harder for them? Trying to remain quiet for an extended amount of time or trying to keep their balance without letting a foot slip below the stall door?
This Baby's Priceless Reaction to Eating Cranberries Is Cracking Up the Internet
Two-year-old Holden's idea of a perfect snack is most certainly not a cup of sour cranberries. That being said, this entire video features him torturing himself by shoving cranberry after cranberry into his mouth. Why? The answer is simple: for most humans - truly picky eaters aside - any food is good enough if it's sitting directly in front of them. So yes, it's clear that Holden less-than-appreciates cranberries, but like a true foodie, he's going to eat them anyway.
Watch the video to see his hilarious and adorable facial expressions.
This Dad Got a Tattoo to Match His Son's Cancer Scar to Help Him Feel More Confident
After watching his little boy battling a rare form of cancer, Josh Marshall was left devastated when Gabriel shared how he was feeling: like a monster.
In order to fight the malignant brain tumor, the now-8-year-old child had to undergo surgery to remove part of the tumor. While the operation successfully stabilized his condition for the time being, it also left a large scar above Gabriel's right ear. When Gabriel disclosed to his dad that he was feeling very self-conscious about the new scar, his dad immediately knew that he needed to do something.
"This broke my heart," Josh told BuzzFeed. "I told him if people wanted to stare, they could stare at both of us." The dedicated father got an identical version of Gabriel's scar tattooed on his head in the exact location as his son's mark. After Josh shared a touching photo showing off their matching heads - along with his unconditional love for his child - the moving image won St. Baldrick's Foundation's #BestBaldDad competition.
Josh captioned the photograph with a simple explanation that he got the tattoo to help his son's self-confidence, but it's clear to see that this dad will be doing everything he can to support his son every step of the way.
Mom's Post About Her Son Who Loves Nail Polish and Tutus Begs the World to Be Accepting
"My six year old son likes to wear nail polish. He likes to wear girls' clothes and tutus," starts Devon Berryann's Facebook post about her son, who is pictured wearing a tutu. "He tells me about the boys he likes at school. He says he will marry them and adopt babies. Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not."
Throughout Berryann's touching post, she grapples over whether or not she should discourage her son from doing anything that he could potentially get bullied for, or just allow him to be himself and hope that the world we live in will change.
A couple days ago he came home and told me again about kids teasing him at school for his nail polish, and for the first time ever I considered talking him into taking it off. Into hiding that part of himself. Because for the first time ever I was scared that he would be gunned down one night when he was out having a good time with his friends. In that moment I was so terrified that I wondered if it would be better to stop appeasing him. Then I remembered all the reasons I let him be who he wants. Because it makes him happy. Because nothing hurts more than seeing your child truly sad.
Berryann ends her post by dismissing her fears - because "this world is not going to change with more fear" - and shares that she took her son to buy more nail polish. "So here he is world. See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance. Help us change the world into one that deserves him."
The 10 Best National Parks to Visit With Kids
If your ideal Summer travel plans involve breaking free from the lines, gift shops, and gimmicks of many tourist destinations, then a trip to one of the country's 58 national parks may be just what the doctor ordered. The fresh air, natural beauty, and opportunity for adventure are what draw many families to visit the parks, and from coast to coast, there's truly something for everyone.
Before making your travel arrangements, however, consider the reality of taking your family on this kind of vacation: it's probably best suited to kids who can walk a decent distance on their own, have some interest in the outdoors, and aren't yet old enough to whine about boredom or missing their computer and iPhone access. Nothing ruins a great vacation like an unhappy camper, so really think it through before making plans.
Once you've determined that a national park vacation is the right fit for your family, check out our favorite kid-friendly destinations across the country, grab your hiking shoes, and go!
The Cult of Perfect Motherhood
A few years ago, without intention or malice, I joined a cult. Sure, it wasn't the kind of extremist organization where we dressed all in white, packed our bags, and drank the Kool-Aid - to be honest, Kool-Aid was most definitely NOT allowed. Way too much sugar.
What started out as my natural desire to give my children the perfect childhood, excel as a mother, and embrace my new role as a homemaker ended with me sitting alone, in the dark, among the ruins of a my daughter's failed first birthday party snapping pictures of the mess, desperately trying to capture the fun I was supposed to be having. I was officially inducted into the cult of perfect motherhood, and I wanted out.
It began innocently, as these things often do, with a young mother-to-be searching the internet for tips on how to create the perfect environment for her growing baby. It was the first time in my life I had complete control over another life and the power was both sickening and intoxicating. Every move I made impacted the future of the creature growing inside my body, so naturally I wanted to do everything right. I piped music to my stomach through the world's most enormous pair of headphones: classical, of course, for maximum neuronal benefit, but also some Led Zeppelin and Bon Jovi, just for breadth. I ate only organic, grass-fed, locally sourced, free-range, antibiotic-free foods. If it had a hyphen and cost more than my first car, then it had to be good for the baby.
I followed all the rules, even the contradictory ones, and my exhausting efforts paid off because my first child was born and beautiful and perfect as any prophet could promise. A soundly objective fact, of course. But I wanted more. It wasn't enough just to give him the perfect start to life. I wanted to give him the perfect childhood as well. So I delved further into the cult, upgraded my subscription from the basic pregnancy package to the deluxe privileged, upper-middle class, desperate suburban housewife plan. It came with a free string of amber teething beads and a space on the local Montessori preschool waiting lists.
Determined that my child would grow up with siblings, I generously birthed him a baby brother, and then a sister to ensure that he grew up sensitive to the needs and feelings of women. After all, I was a feminist at heart. My toy bins were organized and labeled, my floors vacuumed of all choking hazards, and my children bathed every night. I posted pictures on Facebook and Pinterest and reveled in the encouragement - OK, and a little bit in the jealousy - I received instantly. The cult was finally paying off.
Then came the night before my baby girl's first birthday party, a sparkling pink pancake-themed event I'd been dreaming of since I first decided to have children. Everything was perfect. That is, until my 2-year-old son vomited in the middle of the kitchen floor. I whisked him away from our out-of-town guests and tucked him into a bed lined with towels and a five-gallon bucket. I'd promised my friends, my daughter, and mostly myself the perfect first birthday party. But none of my plans involved infecting a house full of guests with the plague. I was at a loss.
On the one hand, my meticulously planned party was in peril. But on the other hand, I really hated puking in front of people. So I canceled my daughter's party, but not before I snapped photos of the gratuitously decorated table and the approximately 100 gallons of pancake batter and flavored butter I'd prepared for the occasion. Sitting on the floor of the kitchen disinfecting the tile and feeling like a perfect failure, I noticed something I might not have seen had I been rushing around decluttering the house and posing it like the centerfold in a housekeeping magazine.
My oldest son was sitting on the floor with my daughter, both of them wearing the pancake-themed pajamas I bought them to wear to the party, and he was reading her a book. She sat in his lap, her big blue eyes glued on his face as he sounded out the words to Go Dog Go, carefully, slowly, and perfectly. I may not have been able to throw my daughter the Pinterest-worthy birthday party that the cult of perfect motherhood told me I should, but I'd given my children something even more important. Each other. Messy, disorganized, silly, goofy, loving, and more perfect than anything the internet could ever teach me, my kids didn't care about parties and playrooms. They wanted my attention, my hugs, and my approving smiles. They wanted me, not the perfect mother.
I'd been so caught up in doing everything right that I was missing out on the simple beauty of a life lived spontaneously, imperfectly, and authentically. That was the moment I realized that cults, even the perfect ones, were dangerous. They drained the enjoyment from my life and left me a hollow shell of a mother - though, mind you, a highly coiffed shell - obsessed with both my social status and my Facebook status. I wasn't living my life, I was displaying it. So that is how I escaped from the cult of perfect motherhood: covered in my child's vomit, sweating from anxiety and scrubbing, and listening to my children laughing together. It was the most perfect moment of my life. Of course, eight hours later, my son was completely recovered and I was bedridden for three days, but that's just motherhood.
Prince Harry's Latest Royal Visit Will Only Make You Fall Further in Love With Him
As if we needed another reason to love Prince Harry. On Tuesday, Harry joined a group of kids for a rugby skills workshop in Stockport, England, and judging by these photos, he had an absolute ball. The event was organized by England's Rugby Football Union - of which Harry is vice patron - and brought out a slew of kids, who all seemed delighted to play with him. While the prince attended the game alone, his older brother, Prince William, celebrates his 34th birthday today. Just yesterday, he attended a soccer match between England and Slovakia in France looking as happy as can be. Read on for more pictures, then look back at Harry and William's best moments together.
Blake Lively Continues to Shut Down NYC With Her Perfect Outings
Blake Lively may be battling a shark in her upcoming movie, The Shallows, but she looked like a real-life mermaid when she stepped out of her hotel in NYC on Monday. Not only did her embellished dress look like a gorgeous gem from under the sea, but she definitely gave us hair goals with her wavy blond locks. Later that day, she looked just as perfect when she showed off her growing baby bump in a flowing yellow ensemble and a formfitting blue dress while out with Ryan Reynolds. On Tuesday, the actress continued her flurry of gorgeous appearances, stepping out on two separate occasions - both equally stunning - in a flirty white dress and then again in a maroon number.
It's no wonder the star is constantly being compared to a Disney princess. Although, nothing quite compares to her adorable Little Mermaid throwback earlier this month. Blake's first stunning look was for her appearance on the Today show, where she told host Savannah Guthrie that she and husband Ryan Reynolds, who are currently expecting their second child together, definitely want more kids, joking that they're "officially breeders." See more pictures from her beautiful appearance here.
Will Smith Jets Off to Cannes For Some Quality Time With Son Jaden
Will Smith had the loving support of son Jaden at the Cannes Lions Festival in France on Tuesday afternoon. The actor - who was there to host a seminar about his global-minded approach to his career - was all about the fans as he signed autographs outside the Palais convention center and posed for photos with Jaden. Inside, Will took the stage and spoke about his late friend Muhammad Ali and also touched on his children, saying that his daughter, Willow, taught him a big lesson when she wanted to drop out of Justin Bieber's tour because she no longer enjoyed performing. He discovered that creating a career for Willow was useless if she wasn't happy, saying, "The lesson was so important: selling, marketing, and creating cannot be about me, and my parenting is connecting to the way I make movies and the way I interact with people." Will is set to return to the big screen in both Suicide Squad and Collateral Beauty later this year.
37 Times Chris Pratt Was Cooler and Sexier Than Any Character He Could Ever Play
There's no doubt that Chris Pratt is one of Hollywood's most charming actors, and over the past few years, his hilarious antics both on screen and off have made him all the more lovable. From funny moments with his other half, Anna Faris, to his sexy appearances on the red carpet, Chris has definitely captured fans' attention with his awesome, one-of-a-kind personality. In honor of Chris Pratt's 37th birthday, keep reading for all the GIF-worthy moments that remind you why you adore him, then check out his Hollywood evolution.
The Ultimate Celebrity Bikini Gallery
Let's look back at some of the best celebrity bikini moments of all time! Now that the warmer months are finally here, we'll see more and more celebrities donning two-pieces and hitting the beach. Keep scrolling to see the top shots and, if you can't get enough of stars in swimsuits, be sure to check out how the supermodels rock their swimsuits in these hot Sports Illustrated swimsuit snaps.
Selena Gomez Could Not Look More Badass in the New Louis Vuitton Campaign
If we didn't know it was Selena Gomez starring in these Louis Vuitton ads, we probably wouldn't have recognized the singer and actress. Selena, who has a strong friendship with LV's creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, and has been wearing the brand's designs to some of the most important red carpets this year, looks sultry and straight-up badass as she models the new Autumn-Winter 2016 collection in a campaign called Series 5.
Showing off her toned abs in two of the photos, taken by iconic photographer Bruce Weber, and with her hair in loose, disheveled waves, this campaign marks an edgier moment in Selena's already supersexy year.
"We did the shoot in Miami and it was incredibly laid back. [Nicolas and Bruce] are very passionate and enthusiastic about their work. Wearing Vuitton makes me feel strong and confident. Nicolas knows how to make a woman feel good about herself," Selena said in a press release accompanying the launch of the campaign. Scroll ahead to check out more photos of Selena, then watch her first Spanish-language commercial for Pantene.
Watch Selena Gomez's First Spanish-Language Pantene Commerical
Selena Gomez's Pantene commercial just made its debut in Mexico - and the Mexican-American "Kill Em With Kindness" singer, who is currently in the middle of her Revival Tour, artfully used the international opportunity to show off her language skills.
Perhaps you've noticed that Selena generally responds in English to Spanish-language interview questions (remember when she was hilariously wrapped in toilet paper on Despierta América?). But it looks like the star has been practicing her Spanish, because, despite the fact that the internet has its doubts about Selena's real voice being featured on the commercial, she seems to deliver her lines about the brand's 3-Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner ($5) pretty flawlessly. Press play above to see it for yourself (and make your own decision about the controversy), and then check out Selena's most fashionable moments so far this year.
20 Hassle-Free 1-Pot and -Pan Recipes For Summer
Summertime, and the livin' is easy . . . thanks to these one-pot and -pan recipes. You can spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying Summer with these warm-weather meals starring tomatoes, seafood, basil, and more seasonal ingredients. You'll want to whip up one of these immediately, followed by an equally easy no-bake dessert.
The Best Way to Chill Beer For Outdoor Parties
What's the biggest enemy of beer? "Light," said Chris Manca, a Whole Foods Market specialty coordinator and resident beer expert. "Light deteriorates the flavor." As all of America gears up for a slew of outdoor barbecues and pool parties this Summer, Chris shared some important tips we should all keep in mind if planning to serve beer on bright, scorching days.
Glass vs. Can
"Technically the liquid is the same," Chris stated, but what's great about a can is no light permeates through the aluminum. Even with brown beer bottles, some light does get through.
Cooler vs. Fridge
Either is fine, but if you keep it in the cooler, remember the most important rule. "Keep it away from light and fully submerged in ice," Chris recommended. As for open-air buckets, avoid them if you can.
Chill Immediately vs. Not
Many people will leave beer out in the pantry or in the garage (so at room temperature or higher) before chilling the beers down for a party. Chris says it's better to "get beer into a fridge. The integrity of the flavors stays more true when you keep the beer cold." But once you chill it, don't take it out and bring it back to room temperature. "Avoid transferring it between cold and warm multiple times," he stated. It can possibly lead to stale or off-tasting beer.
Ben and Jerry's Announces a Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Dough-Flavored Beer
Ben and Jerry's and New Belgium have joined forces to create the ultimate ice-cream-inspired beer. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale, a golden brown beer inspired by the popular pint flavor, will hit shelves and taps near you this Fall. The two companies collaborated last year to create a salted caramel brownie beer, but we have to admit cookie dough is on a whole new level, and we can't wait to try it.
As always, Ben and Jerry are combining their passion for sweet treats with their commitment to philanthropy, and part of the proceeds will be donated. According to New Belgium's press release, "$50,000 in proceeds will benefit Protect Our Winters (POW) a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness around climate change."
Cookie-dough-lovers, can you even contain your excitement?! Let us know what you think about the dessert/beer hybrid in the poll, below.
17 Epic Selfies to Beat This Year
"But first, let me take a selfie," said The Chainsmokers back in 2014, but it still holds true. As 2016 is halfway over and and the selfie "fad" continues to stay, we thought taking a look back at 2015's best selfies was 100 percent necessary - you know, so we can take better ones this year.
Selfies have been everywhere recently, including in videos, with one man taking a selfie every day for eight years and another showing his transition as a transgender man. Google's Year in Search also included a selfie category with the top 10 most searched.
Lay back, look through these selfies, and start to embrace it - if you haven't already.
'I need this to survive': Ovarian cancer patient desperate for chemo drug Sask. government refuses to pay for
A Saskatoon mother on her fourth bout with ovarian cancer is urging the province to rethink its decision not to pay for the chemotherapy drug she needs.
Alberta leads all provinces in health spending, making deficits hard to shake: report
Alberta spends more money on health care per capita than any other province and demand is only going to increase, making it difficult for the province to meet its modest deficit-reduction targets, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
'I need this to survive': Ovarian cancer patient desperate for chemo drug Sask. government refuses to pay for
A Saskatoon mother on her fourth bout with ovarian cancer is urging the province to rethink its decision not to pay for the chemotherapy drug she needs.
Alberta leads all provinces in health spending, making deficits hard to shake: report
Alberta spends more money on health care per capita than any other province and demand is only going to increase, making it difficult for the province to meet its modest deficit-reduction targets, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
If You've Been Trying to Get a Bigger Booty, You NEED to Check This Out
Who's ready to build a booty!? We've seen transformations of all kinds come out of Kayla Itsines's BBG program, from dramatic weight loss to inspiring muscle building, but today we're focusing on posterior progress of all types.
From slight shaping to dramatic derrière before and afters, these 16 women are totally taking control over the shape of their butts with this powerful workout program. Take a look, get inspired, and start squatting!
The Bachelorette: Find Out Who Is Still Competing for JoJo's Heart
This season of The Bachelorette has been everything we could have hoped for. JoJo Fletcher has quite the batch of suitors, ranging from an erectile dysfunction specialist (don't get me started) to a professional Canadian. There are some normal guys in there, too . . . then there's Chad. It's basically every guy we've come to expect from a season of The Bachelorette, plus some wild cards. Find out who's still in the competition, where you can follow the contestants on social media, and why we think JoJo is the perfect Bachelorette.
Is Davos About to Kill Melisandre on Game of Thrones? Here's What We Know
In this week's episode of Game of Thrones, Ser Davos makes a terrible discovery: He finds Shireen Baratheon's grave and realizes that Melisandre had burned her alive to turn the tide in Stannis's favor in the battle against the Boltons at Winterfell.
Davos, who had loved Shireen like she was his own daughter, won't take the news so lightly. In the preview for next week's finale episode, we see Davos angrily confronting a sad but stoic Melisandre. He demands that she tell Jon Snow about what she's done. We also see a quick shot of a surprised, horrified Jon Snow. Davos has always been an honorable type of guy and isn't likely to try and take personal revenge against Melisandre. But he's also been one of the few people bold enough to voice his concerns about her magic, and he has a strong sense of justice. Could Davos ask Jon to put Melisandre on trial, exile her, or execute her? Davos has voiced his approval of Jon before. Maybe Davos wants to expose all of Melisandre's misdeeds and ask Jon to deliver justice? We'll have to find out on Sunday.
This Clip From Finding Dory Will Flood Your Heart With Joy
Finding Dory has already caused some major waves in theaters, but one of the sweetest parts of the movie has to be the backstory of our favorite forgetful fish. Even if you haven't seen the movie yet, you will definitely appreciate this adorable sneak peek of baby Dory as her parents try to teach her how to play with the other fish in the sea. Honestly, her sweet voice alone is enough to make you melt into a puddle. See the precious clip in its entirety above, and then check out two connections the new film has to Finding Nemo.
Find Out When Your Favorite CBS Shows Are Coming Back This Fall
While a handful of TV shows got canceled this season, we've already been getting glimpses of when both new and existing shows will be coming back in the Fall. Networks have begun releasing their lineups, and CBS is the latest to announce the dates of its most anticipated season premieres. See them now, plus Fox and The CW's newly revealed dates, when you keep reading!
CBS
Sunday, Sept. 18
8:30 p.m. - Case Closed*
Monday, Sept. 19
8 p.m. - The Big Bang Theory
8:30 p.m. - Kevin Can Wait*
Tuesday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. - NCIS
9 p.m. - Bull*
10 p.m. - NCIS: New Orleans
Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. - Survivor
9:30 p.m. - Big Brother
Friday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. - MacGyver*
9 p.m. - Hawaii Five-0
10 p.m. - Blue Bloods
Saturday, Sept. 24
10 p.m. - 48 Hours
Sunday, Sept. 25
7:30 p.m. - 60 Minutes
Wednesday, Sept. 28
9 p.m. - Criminal Minds
10 p.m. - Code Black
Sunday, Oct. 2
8 p.m. - NCIS: Los Angeles
9 p.m. - Madam Secretary
10 p.m. - Elementary
Monday, Oct. 3
9 p.m. - Scorpion
Monday, Oct. 10
9 p.m. - 2 Broke Girls
Monday, Oct. 17
9:30 p.m. - The Odd Couple
Monday, Oct. 24
8:30 p.m. - Man With a Plan*
9 p.m. - 2 Broke Girls
9:30 p.m. - The Odd Couple
10 p.m. - Scorpion
Thursday, Oct. 27
8:30 p.m. - The Great Indoors*
9 p.m. - Mom
9:30 p.m. - Life in Pieces
10 p.m. - Pure Genius*
The CW
Tuesday, Oct. 4
8 p.m. - The Flash
9 p.m. - No Tomorrow
Wednesday, Oct. 5
8 p.m. - Arrow
9 p.m. - Frequency*
Monday, Oct. 10
8 p.m. - Supergirl
9 p.m. - No Tomorrow*
Thursday, Oct. 13
8 p.m. - DC's Legends of Tomorrow
9 p.m. - Supernatural
Monday, Oct. 17
9 p.m. - Jane the Virgin
Friday, Oct. 21
8 p.m. - The Vampire Diaries
9 p.m. - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Fox
Monday, Sept. 19
8 p.m. - Gotham
9 p.m. - Lucifer
Tuesday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
8:30 p.m. - New Girl
9 p.m. - Scream Queens
Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. - Lethal Weapon*
9 p.m. - Empire
Thursday, Sept. 22
8 p.m. - Rosewood
9 p.m. - Pitch*
Friday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. - Hell's Kitchen
9 p.m. - The Exorcist*
Sunday, Sept. 25
7 p.m. - Bob's Burgers
8 p.m. - The Simpsons
8:30 p.m. - Son of Zorn*
9 p.m. - Family Guy
9 p.m. - The Last Man on Earth
NBC
Wednesday, Sept. 14
10 p.m. - Blindspot
Monday, Sept. 19
8 p.m. - The Voice
10 p.m - The Good Place* (preview)
Tuesday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. - The Voice
10 p.m. - This Is Us*
Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. - Blindspot (time period premiere)
9 p.m. - Law & Order: SVU
10 p.m. - Chicago P.D.
Thursday, Sept. 22
8 p.m. - Superstore
8:30 p.m. - The Good Place* (time period premiere)
9 p.m. - Chicago Med
10 p.m. - The Blacklist
Friday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. - Caught on Camera With Nick Cannon*
9 p.m. - Dateline NBC
Monday, Oct. 3
10 p.m. - Timeless*
Tuesday, Oct. 11
9 p.m. - This Is Us* (time period premiere)
10 p.m. - Chicago Fire
*New series
5 Mind-Melting Twists to Remember From the Pretty Little Liars Finale
The Pretty Little Liars premiere is finally here, y'all! Before the new season starts up, though, we need to remember what's went on on the finale. The final episode of season six didn't just give us one huge twist, it gave us a whole slew of them. And yet, despite all we learned, we're still not sure who exactly is the new villain - although there are a few very strong contenders - and we still have no idea who killed Charlotte DiLaurentis. It's safe to say we've been left with more questions than answers. Keep reading to remember the biggest, most shocking parts of the season finale.
This Is Why You Recognize Piper's New Bunkmate on Orange Is the New Black
There have been a lot of changes in Orange Is the New Black's fourth season, not the least of which is the massive influx of new Litchfield prisoners. One in particular, Piper Chapman's new bunkmate-turned-bodyguard, probably struck you as familiar . . . and we've finally put our fingers on why. Jolene Purdy, who plays Hapakuka on OITNB, also played the memorable Cherita Chen in 2001's cult-classic film Donnie Darko. "Chut up," right?! Apparently, when Donnie tells Cherita that things would get better for her, he doesn't foresee her future prison sentence.
Wondering about other familiar faces from the new season of your favorite Netflix show? Don't worry - we've got info about burly guard Piscatella and young Maria's weirdly familiar friend.
Everything We Know About the Game of Thrones Season Finale
It's that happy-sad time of year when Game of Thrones is still on, but the end of the season is in sight. It's been a real roller coaster of emotions this season, especially after the epic penultimate episode, and the finale is probably going to be one of the biggest ever. I mean, it better be, because we wait all year for this. Anyway, the Game of Thrones showrunners and HBO have revealed a few things about the final episode of season six that you're going to want to know for your viewing preparations. Here's everything we know so far.
Pretty Little Liars: 9 Things That Still Have Us Scratching Our Heads From the Finale
The season six finale of Pretty Little Liars blindsided us with a handful of mind-melting twists. During the episode, we may have gotten intel on Dr. Rollins, a reveal of Jessica DiLaurentis's evil twin, and even a hint about the new cyber villain's identity, but there's one thing we didn't get a lot of: answers. We had been sitting with a lot of mysteries last season, wondering who the new "big bad" is and trying to guess Charlotte's killer. Instead of tying up a loose end or two, though, the finale episode only gave us more questions. The new season starts Tuesday night, so let's review.
Proof That Chris Pratt and Anna Faris Are the Funniest Couple in All the Land
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are one of our favorite celebrity couples, and while we're really happy they found each other, we're even more grateful that they found their way onto the big and small screens. Pratt made us laugh for years on Parks and Recreation before he hit the big screen in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. Meanwhile, Faris broke out in the Scary Movie series before settling into her gig on CBS's Mom. Both actors are hugely talented at making us laugh, and after Faris's recent tweet about Pratt's, ahem, business, it only seems fitting to highlight their various skills on the screen. Take a look and just try to tell us they're not totally perfect for each other.
Lolly's Road to Prison on Orange Is the New Black Is Surprisingly Tragic
Season four is pretty eventful for Lolly Whitehill, Orange Is the New Black's resident conspiracy theorist. Between trying to build a time machine and kicking in a drug cartel assassin's head, Lolly's been one of the most consistently entertaining and endearing characters on the show - that's why her backstory is so achingly sad.
As it turns out, Lolly was once a promising young journalist until her mental illness got the better of her. When she ended up on the street, she managed to carve a livelihood for herself selling coffee to other homeless people. She also found a novel way to temporarily banish her inner voices by shaking bells to drive them away. Lolly seemed to be doing fine until one of her shopping carts' wheels broke in a newly gentrified area of her neighborhood. When a couple of cops tried to force her to move along, she lashed out at them. They arrested her and subsequently sent her to jail.
Lolly's story is just one of the many ways we've seen OITNB's characters end up in prison, and it's definitely one of the most heartbreaking.
Game of Thrones: What Does Daenerys Know - and Not Know - About Her Family History?
As someone who's spent most of her life on the run, separated from her homeland and only exposed to a delusional and power-hungry brother, Game of Thrones dragon queen Daenerys Targaryen is wholly reliant on others for any information about her ancestry. The supposed last living Targaryen has grand plans for her future, but how much does she really know about her own history? In "Battle of the Bastards," Dany learns an unpleasant truth from her adviser, Tyrion Lannister: that her late father, the "Mad King" Aerys, was willing to burn his kingdom (and everyone in it) to maintain his reign.
Over the course of Game of Thrones, Daenerys has learned other bits and pieces about her deceased family. Here's a guide to what she knows - and perhaps more importantly, what she doesn't - about the Targaryens who came before her. The more she talks about burning cities and making her enemies suffer, the more it seems that she's bound to follow in their frightening footsteps.
What Daenerys Knows About the Targaryens
- Daenerys knows from her brother Viserys's stories that she is "stormborn," delivered by a dying mother on a stormy night during Robert's Rebellion. After her mother died in childbirth and Robert's Rebellion proved successful, Dany and Viserys were swept away and remained on the run from Robert Baratheon until she weds Khal Drogo in season one.
- Thanks to Ser Barristan, Dany knows that her older brother Rhaegar wasn't so much of a warrior as Viserys had once led her to believe. Rather, Rhaegar didn't enjoy killing and would much prefer singing on the streets for spare change, which he would then donate or get drunk with.
- Ser Barristan also informs Daenerys that the stories about her father being mad were not merely rumors - he was actually crazy.
- During the same conversation, Daenerys was stunned to learn that her father murdered children in front of their parents, burned people with wildfire for his own entertainment, and burned villages to the ground. He refused fair trials for his citizens, choosing instead to determine his own cruel forms of "justice."
- Daenerys's brother Viserys tells her about the Targaryen dragon skulls that used to decorate the Red Keep in King's Landing - how they started large and intimidating on one side of the great hall but grew weak and deformed by the end when the species supposedly went extinct. When she discovers that she has dragons of her own, Dany names one (the green) after Viserys and one (the red and gold) after Rhaegar.
- As Tyrion informs Daenerys in season six, the Mad King stored caches of wildfire beneath King's Landing with the intention of burning the city (and everyone in it) to ash before relinquishing the Iron Throne.
What She Doesn't Know (Yet)
- Daenerys believes that fire "cannot kill a dragon," but she's unaware that multiple Targaryens (including one who drank wildfire in order to "become a dragon") have died by fire. Apparently, her complete immunity to heat and flames is an anomaly.
- So far, Daenerys doesn't know how commonplace madness is in her family. According to Cersei Lannister: "Half the Targaryens went mad, didn't they? What's the saying? 'Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin.'"
- Dany is clueless that, up until very recently, she had a living relative - a great-uncle named Aemon, who served as Maester of the Night's Watch at the Wall.
- Another (potential) relative that Daenerys is in the dark about is her supposed nephew, Jon Snow, who is widely believed to be the love child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. However, it is possible that the truth will come to light very soon.
- Daenerys doesn't know about her father's rumored affair with Joanna Lannister, which could likely have produced a bastard (who would be Dany's brother) named Tyrion.
Felfie, Delfie, Ussie: A Guide to Every Ridiculous Selfie
You already know that animal selfies are the greatest things on the Internet right now. But you might not know all the other types of selfies blowing up Instagram - like "felfies" or "ussies." Consider this a (silly) crash course.
Source: Getty
This Is Probably Why You Shouldn't Ask For Drugs on Social Media
You never know who will come across your social media accounts, which is why you should be careful of what you post. A girl, who goes by Twitter user preznixon16, really wanted some weed, so she asked the Twitter-verse.
WHOS IN SARASOTA FLORIDA AND HAS WEED #Sarasota
- Fly Shit Only (@preznixon16) May 8, 2016
And most likely thought it would go ignored. But as we know, once you post something on the internet, someone from somewhere will find it. Unfortunately, for the girl, the Sarasota Police Department in Florida answered her.
If you'd like to stop by our HQs, our Narcotics Detectives would be more than happy to talk. #SayNoToDrugs #LESM https://t.co/sQc8P2LHUL
- SarasotaPD (@sarasotapd) May 10, 2016
It doesn't appear that she ever got in trouble for her tweet, and according to Mashable, she never got her weed, which is probably for the best. The user, however, still stands by her tweets, saying:
Alright guys, my tweet does have a good message. There needs to be more weed in Florida. That shit shouldn't even be illegal.
- Fly Shit Only (@preznixon16) May 12, 2016
This Facebook Post About Being a Female Veteran Is Going Viral For the Right Reason
Update: Rebecca Landis Hayes posted an apology note she received from the person who originally left the note on her car. "I know it's no excuse, but I've seen so many young people park in retired vet's places, along with handicap lately, and I lost my cool," the person wrote. ". . .I appreciate your service to this country and I highly respect military men and women." You can read Hayes' Facebook post, along with the note and original story below.
Original story: Here's another reason you shouldn't be quick to judge or write scandalous notes to people. One woman came back to her car only to find a note that accused her of taking a parking spot for veterans - except the note writer didn't realize the woman is a veteran.
Rebecca Landis Hayes went to the Coddle Creek Harris Teeter in Concord, NC, and parked in a veteran parking space. When she got back, she found a note telling her "This parking is for veterans, lady. Learn to read and have some respect." Hayes then wrote a Facebook post where she states she served in the US Navy for eight years. The note goes on to mention that she's sorry that "your narrow misogynistic world view can't conceive of the fact that there are female Veterans. I'm sorry that I have to explain myself to people like you." She ends her post with a simple question: "I served, did you?" The full post is below.
Hayes's post has more than 6,000 shares and 94 comments, with many thanking her for serving in the Navy. She's since written another Facebook post about how "overwhelmed" she feels about all the comments she's received and reminding everyone that "there is no ONE veteran type." This is just another clear example of why sometimes, it's better to ask questions before jumping to a conclusion.
If Your Life Revolves Around Netflix, This Shiba Inu Is You
We're all guilty of binge-watching Netflix, and some of us might even have a problem. Turns out, we're not alone. A 7-month-old Shiba Inu named Chiko is also addicted to watching Netflix, making him the most accurate spirit animal for everyone.
When Chiko was first adopted by his owner, Olesia Kuzmychova, she would leave a movie on Netflix or keep the TV on while she was out. He loved watching the screen so much, he'd watch even if Kuzmychova was home. "For the first month I was completely surprised," said Kuzmychova to Metro. "I know some dogs like to watch TV, but not hours like him." A video of Chiko watching TV is below.
Chiko likes to Netflix and chill in bed like the rest of us but mostly enjoys catching up on his shows by sitting - like actually sitting upright in a chair. "One time, I was watching Netflix with him and after a few minutes he put to legs downwards like a human," said Kuzmychova. The proof is below.
We'll be sure to invite Chiko over for our next streaming sesh - he's obviously perfect for it.
Love Dogs but Suffer From Allergies? Here's What to Do
Problem: you love dogs, but you're allergic to them. You lean down to pet an adorable puppy, and suddenly you're sneezing. Pet dander sets off your immune system, which overreacts and causes a plethora of unfun symptoms. If this describes you, then you're part of the 15 percent of the population allergic to pets. What's a dog-crazy person to do? Do you have to give up puppies altogether? Say it ain't so!
Don't worry. Just because you have pet dander allergies doesn't mean you have to forgo owning a pet. You do have to be a little extra cautious about eliminating fur from your living space, but it's not as hard as you might think. We've got the scoop on simple, everyday strategies for reducing allergens from pets. These four practical tips emphasize prevention and can help allergy sufferers experience the joy of pet parenthood.
1. Baths and Brushing
Grooming gets the job done. No matter how fluffy your pet, a regular grooming routine will help to reduce allergens in your home. It's important to note that you're not actually allergic to your dog's fur. Instead, your immune system is overreacting to the dander, which are the dead skin flakes present in all that fluff. Er, yeah. Pet parenthood can be gross - which doesn't make us love our dogs any less.
Luckily, strategies for getting rid of pet fur will also help you get rid of the dander. This is where your grooming routine becomes key. Bathing your dog frequently removes the dead skin flakes that cause all that sneezing. In fact, giving your pet plenty of baths can reduce allergens by as much as 84 percent.
Just be sure to use a mild, pet-friendly shampoo, as you don't want to dry out your dog's skin. There are even shampoos and wipes specifically designed to reduce dog allergens while remaining gentle on your pet.
When it comes to brushing, there are lots of great pet hair removal tools that range from low-tech (rubber glove, anyone?) to high-end. Whatever you use for grooming, it's a good idea to get the fur removal done outdoors. That's right. When possible, brush your dog outside! This simple tip will reduce the likelihood of pet dander sticking around your home.
2. Allergen-Resistant House
Are you ready for this? For dog-lovers with pet dander allergies, it all comes down to one simple tip.
Get rid of the carpet.
True, that can be a big step. But consider that carpet is a likely spot for pet hair to hide - and those allergens can stick around for a long time, causing symptoms year-round. If you can swing it, have the carpet pulled up and replaced with dog-friendly flooring like laminate, tile, or hardwoods.
Even if it's not possible to get rid of your carpet, you can reduce trapped pet dander by ensuring that certain parts of your home are dog-free. This is particularly important for your sleeping area. As cuddly as your dog can be, don't let her sleep on your bed. Keeping your pet out of the bedroom will keep the allergens off your pillow.
3. Vacuum Power and Laundry Day
OK, so your dog has a tendency to hop that baby gate and sprawl out on your bedroom floor anyway. No worries: a powerful vacuum will still prevent pet fur from invading your space. A great vacuum is an allergy sufferer's friend. A HEPA filter is especially effective for keeping your home allergy-free.
Pro tip: Once you have the right vacuum, make sure you empty it outside! If you put those piles of fluff in your outdoor garbage can, you'll prevent clouds of pet dander from lingering in the house.
Frequently washing bedding - your own as well as your pet's - is another critical step for reducing pet dander. It helps to have dedicated dog blankets and beds for your pet, which you can wash often.
4. Proper Nutrition For Your Dog
Can your dog's food really make a difference when it comes to pet allergies? In a word, yes. Making sure that your dog is eating a nutrient-rich food that contains plenty of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids should help. These nutrients ensure a shinier, stronger coat of fur.
Also, providing plenty of fresh drinking water keeps your pet hydrated, which in turn leads to a healthier skin and coat.
What About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
If your allergies reach a critical point and prevention just isn't helping, you can always search for a hypoallergenic dog breed. Keep in mind that no dog is truly 100 percent dander-free, but there are around 20 breeds that produce less dander and often shed less, as well.
Check out 13 of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds here. Many of these dogs, such as poodles, have hair rather than fur - but that's not the reason they're considered good for allergy sufferers! In fact, it's because they have a single, rather than a double, coat - so you can expect less shedding.
Salad-Stuffed Grilled Avocados Are the Protein- and Fiber-Filled Dish You've Been Craving
It's likely you've already tried baked eggs in avocado, but this creative twist on the favorite fruit takes avocados to an entirely new level. These salad-stuffed grilled avocados are destined to be the highlight of your next Summer barbecue; simply grill the fruit, then stuff with a protein-rich, antioxidant-fueled salad. A healthy, gourmet-inspired dinner is served in minutes!
39 Summer Crop Tops For Your Gym and Studio Workouts
Heat up your Summer workout with fashion-forward cropped tees, tanks, and longline bras. From racerback tanks to loose-fitting sweatshirts, there's a shape and a silhouette for everyone, with a pretty pick in every budget.
Change the Shape of Your Butt With This 30-Day Squat Challenge
Squat challenges are all the rage now, and while it certainly is an accomplishment to work your way up to 200, 500, or even 1,000 squats (yikes!), doing the same kind only works certain muscles. Here's a new challenge for you to try. It involves five different squat variations that you repeat and eventually work up to 200 reps in 30 days.
Here are instructions for the five different variations followed by a 30-day plan to get you all the way to 200. It's not advised to skip right to day 30 if you want to be able to walk the next day, so follow the plan and adjust it slightly according to your schedule and ability level. For a quick guide, here's a printable version of this Squat Challenge.
Number 1: Narrow Squat
- Stand with your feet touching. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest to help you stay balanced and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply, bringing your thighs parallel with the floor if you can. Be sure to keep weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 2: Narrow Squat With Back Kick
- Stand with your feet touching. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest or on your hips, and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Be sure to keep weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, and lift the left leg behind you for a back kick. Lower the foot back to the floor in a narrow squat position.
- Do another squat, then straighten the leg, do a back kick with the right leg, and step the right foot back to meet the left.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 3: Basic Squat
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply, bringing your thighs parallel with the floor if you can, keeping weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
Here's a video demonstrating the basic squat.
Number 4: Basic Squat With Side Leg Lift
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width distance apart, feet parallel. Hold your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor, keeping weight back in your heels.
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, and lifting the left leg out to the side, squeezing the outer glute.
- As you step the foot back into shoulder-width distance position, squat down again. Then stand up and do a side leg lift on the right side. Lower the leg back to the starting position.
- This counts as one rep.
Number 5: Sumo Squat
- Stand with your feet wide, toes pointing out. Hold your hands comfortably in front of your chest to help you stay balanced and bend your knees, lowering your hips deeply so your thighs are parallel with the floor. Make sure to keep weight back in your heels
- Then rise back up, straightening the legs completely, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement to get the most out of the exercise.
- This counts as one rep.
The Plan
Unlike other squat challenges, this involves five different variations to not only sculpt your legs and booty more effectively, but also to beat boredom and prevent overuse injuries. This plan incorporates rest days, so while you can hold off on squats that day, you can (and should) still do other workouts to target your nonsquatting muscles.
15 Ways to Feel Slimmer by Tomorrow
Slimming down takes time and dedication, but a few quick tricks can help you feel a little bit lighter in just one day. Read on to get our tips for feeling less bloated and puffy - and having a flatter belly - by the end of today!
Drop 1 Pound by Next Week With This Plan
If you're trying to drop pounds and new to the whole exercise scene, then knowing exactly what to do can be a struggle. Since cardio, strength training, stretching, and days of rest are all equally important, here's a weekly schedule to help you balance it all out and still see results.
In order to lose one pound a week, you need to burn 3,500 calories per week or 500 per day. But exercise is just one piece of the weight-loss puzzle; if you utilize diet changes by cutting calories, then you won't be bound to intense 500-calorie-burning workouts every day. The chart below will give you an example of how to exercise and cut calories in order to burn 3,500 calories per week.
*Check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise plan.
| Day | Workout | Diet | Caloric Deficit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Cardio: 60-minute walking-jogging workout (330 calories) Stretching: 10 minutes (40 calories) |
Cut 200 calories | 570 |
| Tuesday | Cardio: 30-minute bike ride at 14 mph (steady-state pace) (270 calories) Strength training and stretching: 60-minute fast-paced yoga class such as Vinyasa (269 calories) |
Cut 50 calories | 589 |
| Wednesday | Rest day or take a 20-minute walk at a 20-minute/mile pace (66 calories) | Cut 250 calories | 316 |
| Thursday | Cardio: 60-minute indoor cycling class (413 calories) or 45-minute vigorous swim (446 calories) Strength training: 20 minutes (119 calories) - if you biked: 10-minute arm and shoulder workout and flat-abs workout - if you swam: 10-minute leg and butt workout and 10-minute tighter-core workout Stretching: 10 minutes (40 calories) |
Cut 50 calories | 655 |
| Friday | Cardio: 20-minute run at 10-minute/mile pace (180 calories) Strength training and stretching: 60-minute fast-paced yoga class such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, or Power (269 calories) |
Cut 50 calories | 499 |
| Saturday | Cardio: 60-minute Zumba class (324 calories) or 60-minute hike/snowshoe (324 calories) Strength training: 20 minutes (119 calories) - 10-minute arms and core workout Stretching: 10 minutes (40 calories) |
Cut 100 calories | 583 |
| Sunday | Rest day or take a 20-minute walk at a 20-minute/mile pace (66 calories) | Cut 250 calories | 316 |
This is just an example of how you can break down your weekly workouts, so you can mix it up as you see fit with your schedule and exercise preferences. Each week, it's best to include at least four cardio workouts (mix up the types and always stretch afterward) and two to three strength-training workouts. And don't forget to throw in days of rest so your muscles have time to recover and get stronger.
**Calculations for calories burned are based on a 130-pound woman. Check this SparkPeople website for more accurate calculations based on your weight.
Love Dogs but Suffer From Allergies? Here's What to Do
Problem: you love dogs, but you're allergic to them. You lean down to pet an adorable puppy, and suddenly you're sneezing. Pet dander sets off your immune system, which overreacts and causes a plethora of unfun symptoms. If this describes you, then you're part of the 15 percent of the population allergic to pets. What's a dog-crazy person to do? Do you have to give up puppies altogether? Say it ain't so!
Don't worry. Just because you have pet dander allergies doesn't mean you have to forgo owning a pet. You do have to be a little extra cautious about eliminating fur from your living space, but it's not as hard as you might think. We've got the scoop on simple, everyday strategies for reducing allergens from pets. These four practical tips emphasize prevention and can help allergy sufferers experience the joy of pet parenthood.
1. Baths and Brushing
Grooming gets the job done. No matter how fluffy your pet, a regular grooming routine will help to reduce allergens in your home. It's important to note that you're not actually allergic to your dog's fur. Instead, your immune system is overreacting to the dander, which are the dead skin flakes present in all that fluff. Er, yeah. Pet parenthood can be gross - which doesn't make us love our dogs any less.
Luckily, strategies for getting rid of pet fur will also help you get rid of the dander. This is where your grooming routine becomes key. Bathing your dog frequently removes the dead skin flakes that cause all that sneezing. In fact, giving your pet plenty of baths can reduce allergens by as much as 84 percent.
Just be sure to use a mild, pet-friendly shampoo, as you don't want to dry out your dog's skin. There are even shampoos and wipes specifically designed to reduce dog allergens while remaining gentle on your pet.
When it comes to brushing, there are lots of great pet hair removal tools that range from low-tech (rubber glove, anyone?) to high-end. Whatever you use for grooming, it's a good idea to get the fur removal done outdoors. That's right. When possible, brush your dog outside! This simple tip will reduce the likelihood of pet dander sticking around your home.
2. Allergen-Resistant House
Are you ready for this? For dog-lovers with pet dander allergies, it all comes down to one simple tip.
Get rid of the carpet.
True, that can be a big step. But consider that carpet is a likely spot for pet hair to hide - and those allergens can stick around for a long time, causing symptoms year-round. If you can swing it, have the carpet pulled up and replaced with dog-friendly flooring like laminate, tile, or hardwoods.
Even if it's not possible to get rid of your carpet, you can reduce trapped pet dander by ensuring that certain parts of your home are dog-free. This is particularly important for your sleeping area. As cuddly as your dog can be, don't let her sleep on your bed. Keeping your pet out of the bedroom will keep the allergens off your pillow.
3. Vacuum Power and Laundry Day
OK, so your dog has a tendency to hop that baby gate and sprawl out on your bedroom floor anyway. No worries: a powerful vacuum will still prevent pet fur from invading your space. A great vacuum is an allergy sufferer's friend. A HEPA filter is especially effective for keeping your home allergy-free.
Pro tip: Once you have the right vacuum, make sure you empty it outside! If you put those piles of fluff in your outdoor garbage can, you'll prevent clouds of pet dander from lingering in the house.
Frequently washing bedding - your own as well as your pet's - is another critical step for reducing pet dander. It helps to have dedicated dog blankets and beds for your pet, which you can wash often.
4. Proper Nutrition For Your Dog
Can your dog's food really make a difference when it comes to pet allergies? In a word, yes. Making sure that your dog is eating a nutrient-rich food that contains plenty of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids should help. These nutrients ensure a shinier, stronger coat of fur.
Also, providing plenty of fresh drinking water keeps your pet hydrated, which in turn leads to a healthier skin and coat.
What About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
If your allergies reach a critical point and prevention just isn't helping, you can always search for a hypoallergenic dog breed. Keep in mind that no dog is truly 100 percent dander-free, but there are around 20 breeds that produce less dander and often shed less, as well.
Check out 13 of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds here. Many of these dogs, such as poodles, have hair rather than fur - but that's not the reason they're considered good for allergy sufferers! In fact, it's because they have a single, rather than a double, coat - so you can expect less shedding.
lundi 20 juin 2016
Does the New Chips Ahoy! S'mores Flavor Taste as Good as It Looks? An Investigation
Chips Ahoy! unveiled two new chewy cookie flavors today in celebration of the start of Summer: S'mores and Red Velvet. We haven't seen new flavors since last Winter when the cookie company created a hot-cocoa-flavored cookie. In POPSUGAR fashion, we ate the cookies for breakfast and assessed if they would be considered a best new snack or a flavor dud.
S'mores
With a fudge center and marshmallow-flavored chips, we thought the S'mores flavor would be undeniably delicious. However, one bite of these toothachingly sweet cookies made us settle on calling them "just alright." They don't really taste like s'mores. They aren't bad per se, but they aren't a fraction as good as the regular chewy chips.
Red Velvet
There is nothing redeeming about this poor little Red Velvet cookie. It's a mouthful of sugar with a chemical aftertaste. We never thought we'd meet a cookie we didn't like . . . but it turns out this cookie made that possible.
21 Juicy Pork Chop Recipes to Add to Your Dinner Rotation
Just in case you're a little tired of your go-to chicken dinners, let us remind you that pork chops are pretty great, too. Even if you're not totally familiar with cooking pork chops, these easy recipes will turn you into a master. From pan-fried to slow-cooked, there's a recipe that will surely make its way into your kitchen soon.
Gordon Ramsay's Transformative Way to Scramble Eggs
Yes, there are a million different scrambled eggs techniques out there, but Gordon Ramsay's will be your full-stop method. While at a press event to promote his new game with Glu Mobile, I asked chef Ramsay to go through the proper way to scramble eggs. His unique method has a heartwarming tale:
"After training in London, I wanted to become French, so I went to the birthplace of all cuisine. I remember seeing this amazing dish with scrambled eggs and sea urchin. I tasted the sea urchin through the scrambled eggs . . . and they topped it with caviar. I thought it was wild. I had never put sea urchin in scrambled eggs. The texture was just incredible. It made it so much creamier. What was more accessible to the average person at home making scrambled eggs - I knew that was crème fraiche. I perfected that craft in France making scrambled eggs to order, standing in Guy Savoy's restaurant behind the line as a 22-year-old."
But crème fraiche isn't the only thing that makes these scrambled eggs different from the rest. It's cooked in a pot! The eggs aren't seasoned from the start! Most of the cooking is done off the flame! Are you baffled yet? Me too, which is why I had to try the method out for myself. So where to begin? Start by watching Gordon's YouTube video. He shared a hilarious story about it:
I think there's about 15 million people online who have [watched] that scrambled eggs video. And it transforms the way you eat eggs. Incredible. It's a kind of rich, sumptuous way to eat scrambled eggs even for dinner, even with all the steps. It's just delicious on sourdough bread. My video, with 15 million downloads on YouTube, I burn the f*cking toast. I'm not so far down my backside. I make mistakes. I just start again. It's funny. I'm so into my scrambled eggs, focusing away. Fire alarm is going off and I burn my toast."
Like Gordon, my first attempt didn't go off hitch-free. I'm unfortunately going to need a few more practices to end up with perfectly custardy, voluminous eggs like Gordon, but what I did make was truly exceptional and unlike any scrambled eggs I've ever had before. I can't wait to keep on practicing, and neither will you once you've memorized the steps.
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