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 30 septembre 2016
What You Need to Know About The Walking Dead's Dynamic New Character, Ezekiel
The Walking Dead's season seven premiere is about to come crashing into our lives, and those who have caught the latest trailers are sure to have noticed the eccentric new face that appears - and with a tiger. This dreadlocked new character is Ezekiel, the "king" of the newest colony of survivors to be introduced, The Kingdom. Before he makes his grand entrance, here's a primer.
What Is The Kingdom?
Much like Alexandria or Hilltop, The Kingdom is another settlement of people and is a part of the same trading line as Hilltop that must pay tribute to The Saviors. Ezekiel is the leader of this colony, where they live within an old school that is walled off by buses and sheet metal. The people there all refer to him as "King" Ezekiel, and no visitors are allowed to be present in The Kingdom without a personal escort.
What's With the Tiger?
Not much is known about Ezekiel's past, but he states that he used to be a zookeeper and has known his pet tiger, Shiva, since she was born. Before the apocalypse, Shiva had fallen into the moat that surrounded her exhibit, badly injuring her leg. Not wanting her to bleed out before help could arrive, Ezekiel ran to her aid and tied his shirt around the wound. Mistaking him for the cause of her pain, Shiva slashed him across his stomach, leaving deep cuts. Ezekiel and Shiva both survived, and she never showed a hint of aggression towards him again.
How He Might Cause Drama for "Richonne"
When Michonne first meets Ezekiel in the comics, she is initially put off by his flashy and arrogant personality and calls him out for being another leader that manipulates his followers into treating him special. He refutes this claim by saying that people want a leader that they can look up to in order to feel safe, and by feeling safer, they are more productive and cooperative as a result. The two eventually begin to form a relationship with one another. The main difference here is that in the comics, Rick and Michonne were never in a relationship like they currently are on the show. Ezekiel's introduction has the chance of splitting them up in the future.
Why He's Important to the Future
As tensions between the Alexandria and Hilltop communities rise against The Saviors, Ezekiel and his Kingdom become major players in the resistance against Negan. The Saviors outnumber these groups significantly, and only by uniting do any of them stand a chance in overcoming their control over the smaller settlements. Ezekiel is bound to be an intriguing new addition to the cast of characters, and we look forward to seeing Shiva in action.
Daenerys Targaryen Gets Reimagined as the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - and It's Badass
It's hard to imagine the Game of Thrones characters existing anywhere outside of their fantastical, twisted, and gruesome universe. One artist, however, is attempting to do just that by illustrating many of the core characters with all our modern accoutrements: piercings, tattoos, and graphic t-shirts.
Said artist, Hilary Heffron, uses Photoshop to create her anachronistic portrayals of everyone from Daenerys Targaryen to Jon Snow to Margaery Tyrell. The character's tattoos, in particular, are representative of that character's nickname or backstory. For example, as the so-called Mother of Dragons, Daenerys is shown with a massive dragon tattoo on her back. Hilary sells these portraits in an Etsy store called Hilarious Delusions.
Look ahead for Hilary's trippy interpretations that will make you do a double take.
This Easy Hack For Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes Is a Game Changer
The struggle is real when it comes to cleaning those makeup brushes once a week. If we're being honest, it's all too easy to skip a week or two. But don't forget: dirty brushes harbor dirt and bacteria that can cause breakouts and irritation!
That said, there are silicone brush cleansing mats on the market that make getting the job done so much easier. While they're convenient, they can cost upward of $30 or more. But you can actually DIY your very own cleaning board . . . with a clipboard!
This project will set you back only a few bucks (clipboard and hot glue included!). The plastic clipboard is a great dupe because it's waterproof, and the textured surface helps break up dirt and grime just as well as those fancy designer mats.
Would you make this at home? Tell us in the comments section below!
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Welcome Their Second Child!
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are parents again! The couple welcomed their second child on Friday, E! News confirms. "They are so excited," an insider said. Page Six was the first to report the exciting news, adding that Blake's friend, Taylor Swift, was already on her way to the Manhattan hospital to visit the newborn. The two have yet to announce their child's name or sex. Congrats to the happy couple!
3 Things to Know In Order to Instantly Stop Your Kid's Tantrum
Parenting is a mindful practice that truly begins on the inside. Our friends at YourTango analyze three methods of approaching and ultimately stopping your child's tantrums.
No tricks needed when you parent a tantrum-ing child.
At birthday parties, family gatherings, and any type of social situations, you would see me and my husband trying to relax while, and at the same time, keeping track of our kids' arousal levels, never fully making eye contact with someone we were talking to. We were afraid of missing the signs.
In other words, we carefully kept watch in order to predict when our kids were going to explode, crash and burn.
We're experts in stepping in just before it happens, saying farewell in an all-around goodbye-wave and rushing to the car. We could only handle that many speedy goodbyes before we stopped going to those types of gatherings altogether.
I'm still recovering physically and emotionally from this toddler phase. I had the explosive highly sensitive toddlers!
My oldest daughter would almost implode and explode at the same time. It was pretty scary to watch this happening! She actually helped me later with some insights when her younger brother and sister were at that age.
She said, "I can still feel the total frustration and all this energy in my body that I just couldn't get out. You didn't understand me and everything felt so unfair."
That really helped me understand tantrums so much better. But what truly helped me deal with tantrums and challenging behavior of my children was the work I was doing on myself.
I realized that parenting is the best mindfulness and personal growth practice I could have chosen in this lifetime. It has helped me transform the way I show up as a parent and as a person.
There are three things we have to get in perspective when we start parenting from the inside out:
1. How we feel as a person defines how we react as parents.
If we're unclear, ungrounded, and unbalanced, our children will pick up on that and reflect it in their behavior.
When you don't fulfill your own needs, you don't have much to give to others. When you are tired and have no energy, it is much harder to deal with your children's outbursts.
Give yourself a break whenever you're not perfect, make mistakes or can't hold it all together. Forgive yourself when you do scream and yell and do everything exactly the opposite of what you knew you had to do. You are doing the best you can.
Healthy boundaries are important for your children, but they are important for you as a parent as well. You are the parent and affirming healthy boundaries is your job. Think of the gift you are giving to your children. By declaring that you are important, you mirror it to them: they are important as well.
As adults this will serve them, as it is serving you now.
Children can trigger unresolved emotions in you, causing you to feel hurt and frustrated. They can also pick up on those unresolved feelings and mirror them. And beware of the projection of your own unresolved feeling onto your children.
Embrace the parts of you that are still hurting. Acknowledge and accept your own feelings from or about you past without judgment and give that child in you all the love and validation it never got.
Practice keeping things in perspective and avoid the panic. Your child experiencing a strong emotion is not going to kill them. Your calm will show them the way through whatever they are feeling.
2. We must have age-appropriate expectations!
This is true for the toddler tantrums as well as the teenage tantrums. My youngest and my oldest are almost 11 years apart, so I had children who were all in tantrum mode at the same time. It took a lot of deep breathing and grounding for me not to start screaming and kicking just like my children.
And honestly, there were times that I did just that. I was almost jealous that I had to be the adult. But yes, age appropriate expectations, for your children and for yourself.
In a toddler, tantrums arise as they build up stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, while coping with all the stimuli. While toddlers can already verbalize many of their needs, their brains are not able to process strong emotions verbally.
A tantrum is the body's way of restoring balance by discharging and unloading all the physiological residue of all the frustration and fears that had been building up throughout the day.
That's why tantrums usually occur when kids are tired or at very busy social settings. It's not meant to manipulate you, but children can't control it and are not enjoying it. Their outburst is usually a message, a signal, a cry for help. Look beyond the behavior and realize what lies beneath.
(On a more practical level, a quick way to calm a child who is in over-arousal mode, is to put a cold pack in their hands. This literally cools down the over-aroused brain.)
As a child's brain develops, they become more capable of verbalizing their emotions and needs. It never ceases to amaze me how behavior shifts when a child is around 6 to 7 years old. It's like everything you've been saying all these years kind of clicks in their brains.
But then, they hit puberty, and the brain gets inundated with hormones. Teenagers are literally drowning in them. The brain goes through many changes under the influence of hormones and a different stage in their lives is reached.
Ah, teenagers…they think they know everything and that we know nothing. They push and shove while figuring out who they are. It's an amazing and scary rollercoaster ride for both the teenagers as well as for the parent.
So, if we start with the knowledge that our two-year-old is not being bad or naughty but that he is a young human exploring the world, then we're seeing things from his perspective.
That empathy changes everything. It's the same with a teenager. They don't want to hurt you, they are doing their best at creating their own values. Don't worry. By the time they figure it out, their values will be pretty close to yours.
A two-year-old's job description is to explore the world, which includes throwing water around at every opportunity. A 16-year-old's job description is also to explore the world, which includes stepping out of the world they know and which you find safe.
3. The main reason that children cooperate is that they love you and want to please you.
Yes, you can beat them into submission and break their wills while calling it respect, but I trust that if you are reading this article, this is not the way you want to go. Overpowering or even abandoning your child, bribing or threatening just add to the disconnect and anxiety your child is experiencing.
Connection and love is what matters most so connect before correcting. The quickest way to connect is by getting down to eye level, making eye contact and taking a few deep breaths.
Just think about it. When you're angry and start yelling you're usually not making eye-contact. You're just venting, getting it out of your system, and kind of dumping it on the other person. When you make eye-contact you SEE the little human in front of you.
The deep breaths are not only for you but also for your child. When you relax, they relax. The connection between a parent and a child is that strong.
This one is not really easy to do but it works if you really set the intention that love and respect for each other is what you're going for. My youngest daughter has been my greatest teacher on this one.
- "I understand that you are tired, do you need a hug and a kiss?"
- "I love you and the answer is, no."
- "I understand that you are upset because you are tired, but this is behavior is not acceptable."
- "I love you and I have faith that we can find a respectful solution."
If you deal with tantrums this way, I assure you that not only your child, but also you will grow emotionally.
Parenting from the inside out is not always the easiest way. But I can guarantee you that it will be the most fulfilling way, for you and your children.
Check out other great stories from YourTango:
14 Bill Murray Movie Characters That Make Dressing Up For Halloween a Cinch
Bill Murray is one of the most legendary comedic actors in Hollywood, which means that along with making us laugh time and time again over the years, he's also provided us with a wealth of Halloween costume inspiration. Between his more recent collaborations with Wes Anderson and classic roles in movies like Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, get ready to blow your friends away on Oct. 31.
The 1 Thing You Should Never Put on a Sandwich, According to the Sandwich King Himself
Food Network chef and sandwich king Jeff Mauro spilled his sandwich dos and don'ts. Keep reading to learn his best advice.
POPSUGAR: What's the ultimate breakfast sandwich?
Jeff Mauro: Perfectly griddled sausage patty, everything bagel, veggie cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños, of course.
PS: What's the worst thing anyone could put on a sandwich?
JM: Mealy tomatoes.
PS: What's the best sandwich bread ever?
JM: The answer is NONE. Each sandwich has at least one appropriate bread to act as the vehicle.
PS: Does your son eat what you cook? How do you get him to eat vegetables?
JM: Kind of. He always eats the protein we make, and starch (usually sweet potatoes) and veggies. He's still not eating salads or asparagus, but we've always fed him well-seasoned and well-balanced food. I guess the trick is, and mind you, I only have one kid, to really not give [kids] a choice. They have to at least taste everything you make.
PS: What's your ultimate Father's Day meal?
JM: My ideal Father's Day meal is a big grilled beef tenderloin. Pair that with tons of mushrooms, something cheesy, and lots of Mark West wine.
PS: What's the most fun thing about being a chef who is a dad?
JM: Taking pride in the fact that my boy knows and respects good food and where it comes from and what it takes to make it. Now with my restaurant Pork & Mindy's in Chicago, he can come hang out with me on the weekends and see food from that end of the business. Plus, I'm proud that my boy can crack an egg like a champ.
The Perfect Celebrity Halloween Costume For Your Zodiac Sign
If there was ever a time to take a cue from your astrological sign, it's on Halloween. That's why we paired each sign with the celebrity who channels your star personality the best, all in hopes that you'll find the Halloween costume that fits you easily - because Halloween should be uncomplicated! Tell us, are you a Jessica Alba, Shakira, or Alejandra Espinoza?
8 Reasons This Fashion Week Is Different From All the Rest
If there are any big takeaways from Fashion Month you won't want to forget, we've got them right here. While New York brought plenty of changes, the week was only a glimmer of what was to come. Since then, we've hopped over to London, Milan, and finally Paris, where we witnessed 'grammable runway moments by the dozen. But as feeds get filled and time goes on, we're savoring the key events that truly bear significance on the industry. Read on to see why the Spring 2017 season is different than all the rest.
Kate Middleton's Shopping These 21 Runways at Fashion Week
It isn't often Kate Middleton tries out a new designer. After all, she remains loyal to so many of her favorite brands that create tailored coats and day dresses to wear underneath. While many of them are British labels, Kate's been tapping American fashion houses as of late, Chloé, Tory Burch, Altuzarra, and Banana Republic included.
We couldn't help ourselves as we monitored the runways at NYFW, LFW, MFW, and PFW - we created a wish list of looks for Kate. Some of the silhouettes here might be more daring than she's used to, but Kate's worn these designers before. We think she can handle it. Scroll for a look at the pieces that belong in her royal wardrobe.
8 Secrets of a Chinese Restaurant, Revealed by an Employee
If you've always wanted to know what really goes on inside a Chinese restaurant, you're in luck. A restaurant employee recently did a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) entitled Your Typical Chinese Restaurant Employee, and he answered a lot of users' questions that touched on everything except the exact recipes (some things have to remain a secret!). He wrote, "I am Chinese. Parents are Chinese. Parents own a typical take out Chinese food restaurant. I have worked there almost all my life and I know almost all the ins and outs." Curious about his insider secrets? Read on for some of the standout questions and answers, and then catch up on the whole AMA here.
1. The secret to authentic Chinese food is the sauce.
Someone mentioned that they try to make Chinese food at home but it's never nearly as good - not even "as good as the worst Chinese takeout." Turns out, the major difference is the sauce.
2. Using a wok makes a difference.
Another reason your homemade stir fries and lo mein might not taste authentic is that using a wok is far superior to a regular skillet. "The ability to flash cook in a wok makes a big difference believe it or not."
3. North American Chinese food is cheaper.
4. The secret to the chicken in dishes like General Tso's is the breading.
5. Yes, many restaurants really do use the same images for the menu.
6. Don't believe a restaurant if it says it doesn't have MSG . . . it's already in soy sauce and many other sauces.
7. The best thing to order is anything Mongolian style. At least, that's this guy's personal favorite.
8. The one thing you should NEVER order is . . . fries.
25 Photos That Prove Winona Ryder Hasn't Aged a Bit After 30 Years in Hollywood
Not many people can say they've had a career span over 30 years, but Winona Ryder is one of the lucky (and fiercely talented) few. From 1988's Beetlejuice to 2010's Black Swan, the 44-year-old actress has an impressive résumé to be proud of. And her evolution in Hollywood is just as glamorous as her acting reel. With 2016's hit sci-fi horror series Stranger Things bringing her back into the spotlight, we've rounded up some of her best red carpet looks over the years. Keep reading to see why your love for Winona has stood the test of time.
This Heartwarming Video Of 1 Girl Being Asked to Homecoming Will Leave You in Tears
if anyone's having a bad day, here's a video of jake asking emily to homecoming😍😭 http://pic.twitter.com/5PAFwSEBaA
- stephanie zagurski™ (@StephanieZag) September 23, 2016
After meeting in their school's special needs program, Emily and Jake have been dating since last year. But with Homecoming approaching, Jake wanted to come up with a meaningful way to ask Emily to the dance.
Inspired by her love of sweets, Jake surprised Emily with a cookie cake and bouquet of balloons. The shocked teen was sitting in the school cafeteria when Jake approached, and a crowd of students erupted in cheers as Emily tearfully (and enthusiastically!) said yes.
Despite asking Emily the big question in front of an estimated several hundred people, nobody was surprised by Jake's brave public display - least of all his parents. "Jacob is probably the most outgoing kid I know," Jake's dad, Tom Martin, told BuzzFeed. "My wife and I don't know what to do without him. He's taught us a lot about how to act towards people."
Jake's thoughtful gesture was met with Emily's memorable reaction and the resulting video is too sweet not to be shared.
The 10 Most Likely Candidates For Who's Dead on How to Get Away With Murder
Rather than a bang, the season three premiere of How to Get Away With Murder ends with a body, and after episode two, we've only ruled out one possible candidate. While most of the first episode revolves around a seemingly random immigration case, the premiere closes out with Annalise struggling to see a dead body being wheeled from her fiery home, then having a complete meltdown. Who's under the sheet and why is her house engulfed in flames? As the promo promises, each week we'll find out one character who isn't the dead body - so far we only know that it's not Oliver. While Viola Davis didn't actually know who was supposed to be the body when she acted in the scene (she acted with a dummy), the show's executive producer Pete Nowalk said the person is "pivotal" to the series. So, who is it?
How Shelby Could Become Billie Dean Howard on American Horror Story
While watching this week's episode of American Horror Story, we had a sudden realization. What if the events of Roanoke and My Roanoke Nightmare directly precede the events of the show's first season? What if the woman who calls herself Shelby totally changes her identity and begins to call herself Billie Dean Howard? We've already been seeing echoes of previous seasons in each of the episodes that have already aired. And this week's "Chapter 3" finally broke the fourth wall, which is huge. It basically means there's a reality that exists outside My Roanoke Nightmare. A reality in which Billie Dean Howard might exist as a real person. We've already posited that Billie Dean Howard might have produced the show, but there could be more to it.
Let's break down the theory, plain and simple. The events depicted in My Roanoke Nightmare are the real backstory of Billie Dean Howard. This experience - wherein Shelby encounters ghosts and learns the "Croatoan" curse - could be what unlocked her powers as a medium. Perhaps Shelby experiences great loss. For this to work, she would have to be the only real survivor of the ordeal. She would lose Matt, and she would change her identity to become Billie Dean Howard, the medium. Her new life would entail helping others in matters similar to what she suffered. Let's go over all the proof that Shelby could become the medium and even address some inconsistencies.
- Shelby seems to have some unexplainable powers. One moment from the first episode of Roanoke had many viewers convinced Shelby is a witch. The evidence lies in the way she seems to revive "Matt" and simultaneously lose her unborn child. It's easy to speculate that she sacrificed her child to revive her husband. We know Billie Dean Howard has a "Croatoan" spell in her arsenal. Maybe this is the first manifestation of her otherworldly gifts.
- Both Shelby and Billie Dean Howard know the "Croatoan" curse. As we just said, Billie Dean Howard knows a curse that will ban spirits. She describes it in a conversation about Roanoke back in season one. In season six, meanwhile, "Shelby" has just learned the curse herself. She watches as Cricket uses it to dispel the demonic, ghostly colonial entities that seem to haunt the house. And in next week's episode, she uses the "Croatoan" curse herself.
- Casting Lily Rabe as Shelby and Sarah Paulson as "Shelby" is a misdirect and a hint. As it now stands, the real people are giving interviews about their experiences, and their actor counterparts are participating in the dramatic reenactment. But what if it's not that simple? In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Cuba Gooding Jr. slyly suggested that he might be the real Matt. If you follow this line of logic, maybe Paulson is the real Shelby. Maybe it's not a dramatic reenactment, like they're saying it is, but instead is depicting the actual events, as they're happening. Maybe Matt and Lee didn't survive the nightmare after all. If that's true, Paulson would be playing the real Shelby. And, of course, Paulson has played Billie Dean Howard. Maybe these characters merge into one.
- Billie Dean Howard's original backstory could be a lie. One huge point of contention is that Billie Dean Howard's backstory doesn't match with what Shelby's going through. But, um, hello? Rule number one of starting a new identity is that you don't reveal your old identity. Billie Dean Howard claims she was a trophy wife who had a passion for tennis. The first ghost she encountered was a Mexican maid who'd been murdered by her husband. Who's to say she didn't make it all up?
- Meeting Cricket the medium could have helped Shelby develop her powers. As we mentioned before, perhaps the first sign that Shelby is gifted is the moment she seems to revive her husband. Maybe it's not until Cricket comes into the picture that Shelby reaches her full potential. It's possible that "Chapter 3" is what made Shelby sensitive to the other side. Next week, she uses the "Croatoan" curse. It's possible she'll continue to go stronger all season long, and finally, at some point before the finale, she'll change her identity and become the medium we meet in season one. It would effectively close all six seasons into a loop.
Kevin Hart Gives Conan O’Brien the Workout of a Lifetime and It’s Absolutely Hilarious
Kevin Hart and Conan O'Brien both have jokes that could keep us laughing for days, but we don't think Conan was laughing after going head-to-head in the gym with the hilarious, yet incredibly fit Jumanji actor. On Sept. 29, the two comedians worked out their important muscle groups and their witty disses during a skit on Conan's show, but it was all fun and games until Conan needed a boost during pull-ups. "Get under my ass!" he demanded. "A little boost or I won't promote your f*cking movie!" That's all it took to get Kevin under there. They worked out with medicine balls, punching bags, and enlisted some trainers for help, but even they couldn't save Conan. Watch the video and see what happens when two comedians face off in the gym.
Here's a Look at All the New Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Toys
While we still need to wait two more months for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to arrive in theaters, we can start to celebrate it with all the new toys out today!
Disney sent us a box of the new products, and we were able to get a peek at what you can expect to see in stores. The toys range from Lego pieces to adorable Funko Pop! dolls - perfect for anyone on your wish list this holiday season. If you're a superfan, you can join the #GoRogue fan contest and produce your own story set in Star Wars land. Anyone who wins will get to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in San Francisco, at Lucasfilm.
Check out photos of the toys ahead and start bookmarking them to send to your friends and family.
Kevin Hart Gives Conan O’Brien the Workout of a Lifetime and It’s Absolutely Hilarious
Kevin Hart and Conan O'Brien both have jokes that could keep us laughing for days, but we don't think Conan was laughing after going head-to-head in the gym with the hilarious, yet incredibly fit Jumanji actor. On Sept. 29, the two comedians worked out their important muscle groups and their witty disses during a skit on Conan's show, but it was all fun and games until Conan needed a boost during pull-ups. "Get under my ass!" he demanded. "A little boost or I won't promote your f*cking movie!" That's all it took to get Kevin under there. They worked out with medicine balls, punching bags, and enlisted some trainers for help, but even they couldn't save Conan. Watch the video and see what happens when two comedians face off in the gym.
11 Steak Tacos Recipes You Need in Your Life Right Now
We've never met a taco we didn't like, but we must admit, we have our favorites. Sure, fish tacos are a Summer must have, and breakfast egg tacos can be the best way to start a morning, but nothing quite fills our hearts with joy more than good, juicy, spicy steak one.
Straight ahead you'll find 11 flavorful recipes that'll make your mouth water - how does chili-rubbed steak sound? How about street style steak tacos? We're warning you now; you'll need an extra large pack of tortillas.
The Space Between Us: This Interplanetary Romance Looks Surprisingly Touching
Asa Butterfield and Britt Robertson are the stars of The Space Between Us, possibly the least conventional love story of 2016. Gardner is basically a Martian; he is born and raised on Mars. Tulsa is just a regular girl, going to high school in Colorado. They happen to meet in a chat room; though Gardner (understandably) keeps his origins a secret, he seeks out Tulsa when he travels to Earth to find his father. It sounds far-fetched, but the trailer is actually really touching, possibly thanks to Banners's "Shine a Light." Watch the trailer and check out the pictures; the movie is out on Dec. 19!
Kristen Stewart Is in a New Horror Movie, and It Looks Shockingly Good
Kristen Stewart has moved on from playing a member of the undead to playing a woman communicating with the dead. Stewart stars in Personal Shopper as a, well, personal shopper who is attempting to communicate with her dead brother. Stay tuned for a release date!
You're Going to Want to Try These Zootopia Couples Costume Ideas
Chances are wherever you go this year, you're going to see a lot of Zootopia costumes. If you're looking for something new to try with your significant other, keep reading to see some of the cutest ideas from the movie. Plenty are simple enough to find clothes for, and it's another way to celebrate how much you love the movie.
jeudi 29 septembre 2016
This Matcha-Filled Chocolate Cake Is What Dessert Dreams Are Made Of
Lava cakes are already notorious for being sinfully delicious. So what happens when you add matcha to the mix? Spot Dessert Bar's incomparably gooey matcha lava cake combines the unexpected flavors into a dessert that is equally as fun to eat as it is to Instagram. We highly encourage you to add it to your bucket list next time you're NYC.
Here's How Game of Thrones Fans Can Get a Sneak Peek of the Next Book
As Game of Thrones fans desperately try to predict the series's inevitable ending, so is George R.R. Martin. (Yes, the novelist and creator of the series.) While he is still writing additional novels as the HBO show is airing, his latest announcement should be enough to satiate even his most eager fans.
Martin recently partnered with Apple to release enhanced versions of the existing Game of Thrones books. The first title, A Game of Thrones: Enhanced Edition is currently available on iBooks for $9. This book features interactive maps, handy timelines, family trees, and more. It also includes a segment from Martin's upcoming sixth book, The Winds of Water.
In a press release, Martin spoke about the many cool and interactive features, some of which are shown below. He said, "Anything that confuses you, anything you want to know more about, it's right there at your fingertips. It's an amazing next step in the world of books."
A Clash of Kings, the series's second book, will be available on Oct. 27, and the following book, A Storm of Swords, will be available on Dec. 15. Each is available for preorder and costs $12. The fourth and fifth books can be expected on iBooks in the Spring of 2017.
Canada sticks with nasal-mist flu vaccine, despite U.S. rejection
FluMist, the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine, is still being recommended for children in Canada, even though pediatricians in the U.S. have been told it's ineffective.
Canada sticks with nasal-mist flu vaccine, despite U.S. rejection
FluMist, the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine, is still being recommended for children in Canada, even though pediatricians in the U.S. have been told it's ineffective.
Oh, Just a Casual Slideshow of Horrifying Clown Moments in Pop Culture
There's no dearth of clowns in pop culture, and we'd venture to say the amount of terrifying clowns in the world far outweighs the amount of harmless ones. It's not hard to think of iconic horror movie and TV clowns: Twisty from American Horror Story, the sentient doll from Poltergeist, and, of course, Pennywise from It. Still here? Because that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The Albums Every Alt-Girl Owned in the '90s
It was hard to figure out how to be cool if you went to high school in the mid-1990s. Those of us who were "alternative" - though we hated that word - had to cobble together music recommendations without help from Internet or college radio. We stayed up late on Sunday nights to watch 120 Minutes, religiously read the music reviews in Sassy magazine, and begged our parents to drive us to all-ages shows. We frantically searched through friends' CD binders for new discoveries and made each other mix tapes with the coolest stuff we could find.
Much of that music is now considered classic, while other '90s albums every alt-girl owned have since been lost to history. Read on to find out the 42 albums that every '90s alt-girl remembers, and follow our Spotify playlist for all the essential tracks.
12 Creative Costume Ideas From Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Even though Rogue One: A Star Wars Story doesn't arrive in theaters till December, you'll definitely see plenty of people dressed as Jyn Erso, Captain Cassian Andor, Saw Gerrera, and other characters this Halloween. Even though we don't know what the movie will hold and what twists may happen, you should feel free to dress as any of the characters for Halloween. Keep reading to see some inspiration, and if you want to wait till the movie is out to declare an allegiance to a favorite person, go as one of your favorite Star Wars heroes or villains instead.
These Snarky Bar Soaps Are Perfect For Clean Bodies and Dirty Minds
One crafts company is dedicated to calling out life's awkward encounters and conventions using a medium you wouldn't expect . . . bar soap. Whiskey River Soap Co. is a fairly new retailer that names its lovely smelling products with hilarious terms and phrases like "Soap for Awkward Moments" and "Soap to Inspire a Rebound."
While you can use the bars of soap for their intended purposes, the labels are so funny we'd probably just display them in our bathrooms as a quirky and unexpected decor item. The cleansers are currently available online, and all are priced at $9. Look ahead for some of our favorites.
Madewell x Sézane's Latest Collaboration Gets Right to the Essence of Parisian Style
For its third collaboration with Madewell, Parisian label Sézane is introducing a 21-piece capsule collection that gets right to the heart of chic French girl style. It's an ode to wardrobe essentials with staying power - the pieces Parisian women keep on rotation, namely, a striped shirt, a cable-knit sweater, a tailored coat, and the perfect miniskirt. The lookbook inside proves the point: with these standbys in your closet, you'll always look stylish. Read on to get a glimpse of the collection before it launches online and in stores Oct. 4.
Zika outbreak: Utah man may have contracted virus from dying father's tears
A Utah man who mysteriously contracted Zika from his infected father may have got it by touching his dad's tears or sweat with his bare hands, new research suggests.
A Dietitian's Cheat Sheet For Eating Low-Carb
You're interested in eating low-carb to lose weight because you've seen other people's success eating this way, but you have tons of questions. Can I eat fruit? What about whole grains or whole-wheat pasta? And if so, how much? You definitely don't want to go completely carb-free because you know your body needs some carbs to function normally, so follow this simple guide from certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition. It will make going low-carb so much easier.
When going low-carb for weight loss, Leslie recommends that around 25 percent of your diet be devoted to carbs. If you're trying to maintain your weight or feel healthier and less bloated, go for 40 percent.
You can figure out how many carbs to eat in a day with this formula from Leslie: start with your daily calorie goal, multiply that number by 0.25 (25 percent), then divide that by four (there are four calories per gram of carbs), and this will give you the total grams of carbs for the day. For example, if your goal is 1,500 calories a day, the equation looks like this: 1,500 x 0.25 = 375; 375/4 = 93.75 grams.
But what can you eat? To avoid going crazy counting every single gram of carbs, Leslie suggests a clean Mediterranean-style diet that includes:
- Complex carbs (2 to 3 servings): 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/2 cup whole-wheat pasta, 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1/2 cup sweet potato, 1/2 cup corn
- Fruit (1 to 2 pieces): banana, apple, orange, 2/3 cup berries
- Dairy (1 to 2 servings, unsweetened): 1 oz. cheese, 6 oz. plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup milk
- Proteins (no limit on meat): fish, lean chicken, lean turkey, lean beef, tofu, and a moderate amount of beans (1/2 cup contains 18 grams of carbs)
- Healthy fats (2 to 3 servings): 1/2 avocado, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon nut butter, 1/4 cup nuts (keep in mind that cashews are higher in carbs than other nuts)
- Nonstarchy veggies (as many as you want): salad, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, cucumbers, etc. (not including starchy veggies like peas, corn, or potatoes)
Leslie recommends eating complex carbs in the morning to help with satiety, swapping your usual lunchtime sandwich for a salad to cut carbs, and limiting your whole grains at dinner to 1/2 cup. Don't waste carbs on soda or other sugary drinks, opt for fruit instead of juice since the fiber will keep you full, and try to avoid processed foods.
Example Daily Menu
Breakfast: Overnight oats made with 1/2 cup rolled oats, 6 oz. plain Greek yogurt, 2/3 cup berries, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon honey
Morning snack: 1/4 cup almonds or 1/2 avocado with a pinch of sea salt
Lunch: Large veggie salad made with lettuce, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, celery, cabbage, etc., 3 oz. grilled tofu or grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil/vinegar dressing, and an apple on the side
Afternoon snack: 1 oz. cheese with sliced red peppers or sugar snap peas
Dinner: 3 oz. roasted salmon with roasted beets and carrots, 1/2 cup brown rice, and side arugula salad with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Balance is key here to being successful, and not every day is going to look this perfect. If eating 25 percent carbs feels too restrictive, use a range of 25 percent to 40 percent. Or maybe start off in the 40 percent range, and as you become more comfortable, you can decrease to 25 percent. This is an eating pattern you want to sustain in order to lose weight, so if you give up on day one and bake and devour an entire pan of brownies because you miss carbs so much, that won't help you reach your weight-loss goals. But don't be too hard on yourself! Leslie says, "Balance is best, 80 percent good food, 20 percent fun." Take care of yourself, eat healthy foods most of the time, and make sure to leave a little room for indulging so you don't feel like you're missing out.
Zika outbreak: Utah man may have contracted virus from dying father's tears
A Utah man who mysteriously contracted Zika from his infected father may have got it by touching his dad's tears or sweat with his bare hands, new research suggests.
A Dietitian's Cheat Sheet For Eating Low-Carb
You're interested in eating low-carb to lose weight because you've seen other people's success eating this way, but you have tons of questions. Can I eat fruit? What about whole grains or whole-wheat pasta? And if so, how much? You definitely don't want to go completely carb-free because you know your body needs some carbs to function normally, so follow this simple guide from certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition. It will make going low-carb so much easier.
When going low-carb for weight loss, Leslie recommends that around 25 percent of your diet be devoted to carbs. If you're trying to maintain your weight or feel healthier and less bloated, go for 40 percent.
You can figure out how many carbs to eat in a day with this formula from Leslie: start with your daily calorie goal, multiply that number by 0.25 (25 percent), then divide that by four (there are four calories per gram of carbs), and this will give you the total grams of carbs for the day. For example, if your goal is 1,500 calories a day, the equation looks like this: 1,500 x 0.25 = 375; 375/4 = 93.75 grams.
But what can you eat? To avoid going crazy counting every single gram of carbs, Leslie suggests a clean Mediterranean-style diet that includes:
- Complex carbs (2 to 3 servings): 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/2 cup whole-wheat pasta, 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1/2 cup sweet potato, 1/2 cup corn
- Fruit (1 to 2 pieces): banana, apple, orange, 2/3 cup berries
- Dairy (1 to 2 servings, unsweetened): 1 oz. cheese, 6 oz. plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup milk
- Proteins (no limit on meat): fish, lean chicken, lean turkey, lean beef, tofu, and a moderate amount of beans (1/2 cup contains 18 grams of carbs)
- Healthy fats (2 to 3 servings): 1/2 avocado, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon nut butter, 1/4 cup nuts (keep in mind that cashews are higher in carbs than other nuts)
- Nonstarchy veggies (as many as you want): salad, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, cucumbers, etc. (not including starchy veggies like peas, corn, or potatoes)
Leslie recommends eating complex carbs in the morning to help with satiety, swapping your usual lunchtime sandwich for a salad to cut carbs, and limiting your whole grains at dinner to 1/2 cup. Don't waste carbs on soda or other sugary drinks, opt for fruit instead of juice since the fiber will keep you full, and try to avoid processed foods.
Example Daily Menu
Breakfast: Overnight oats made with 1/2 cup rolled oats, 6 oz. plain Greek yogurt, 2/3 cup berries, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon honey
Morning snack: 1/4 cup almonds or 1/2 avocado with a pinch of sea salt
Lunch: Large veggie salad made with lettuce, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, celery, cabbage, etc., 3 oz. grilled tofu or grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil/vinegar dressing, and an apple on the side
Afternoon snack: 1 oz. cheese with sliced red peppers or sugar snap peas
Dinner: 3 oz. roasted salmon with roasted beets and carrots, 1/2 cup brown rice, and side arugula salad with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Balance is key here to being successful, and not every day is going to look this perfect. If eating 25 percent carbs feels too restrictive, use a range of 25 percent to 40 percent. Or maybe start off in the 40 percent range, and as you become more comfortable, you can decrease to 25 percent. This is an eating pattern you want to sustain in order to lose weight, so if you give up on day one and bake and devour an entire pan of brownies because you miss carbs so much, that won't help you reach your weight-loss goals. But don't be too hard on yourself! Leslie says, "Balance is best, 80 percent good food, 20 percent fun." Take care of yourself, eat healthy foods most of the time, and make sure to leave a little room for indulging so you don't feel like you're missing out.
This iPhone Case Will Solve All Your Headphone Jack Woes
When Apple announced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus and with it, the demise of the headphone jack, people collectively lost their minds. Sure, Apple packs in a headphone jack dongle with each new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, but what if you needed to charge your phone at the same time? And don't get anyone started on the AirPods that are both expensive and require charging every five hours. That's why one company has decided to do what no one else has (yet): create an iPhone case that brings back the headphone jack.
Fuze created an iPhone case that puts a Lightning adapter and 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the case. Plus, you also get a bulit-in battery that offers power when your iPhone is low. The company is currently fundraising on Indiegogo to make this case a reality. At the time of writing, it's raised $20,414 of its $60,000 goal. The case comes in five colors: white, black, gold, blue, and rose gold and costs $59 (while the reward lasts). You can expect the case to ship in December - meaning you'd only have to deal with the lack of a headphone jack for a few months, if you decide to buy it.
This is definitely a better solution than some products out there that offer an endless tangle of cords and adapters. Watch the video above - it might convince you to buy into this idea.
If These MacBook Pro Rumors Are True, You're Definitely Going to Want One
After four years of radio silence on updating the MacBook Pro, Apple is looking to make some big changes to the product. A new report from Bloomberg states a number of rumors of what the next MacBook Pro model will bring.
The report, written by Mark Gurman, a credible reporter on Apple leaks, includes six new features you can expect to hopefully see on the MacBook Pro. Check out the details ahead:
- A new design: You can expect the new MacBook Pro to be thin - but nothing like the MacBook Air or 12-inch MacBook. Currently, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is 0.71 inches thin.
- Say goodbye to the function keys: Apple is said to be replacing the row of function keys at the top of your keyboard with a touchscreen display. It will use OLEDs (also known as organic light-emitting diodes that are reportedly coming to future iPhones) to show function keys like the playback button depending on which program you're using.
- Touch ID is coming: Touch ID, the fingerprint technology found on iPhones and iPads, is arriving on the MacBook Pro. This means unlocking your laptop with just your finger instead of typing out a password and using Apple Pay with more ease.
- A faster processor and video card: The processor will be much faster than those found on the 2012 model. The new MacBook Pro will also now carry an Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) Polaris chip card.
- Get used to the USB-C port: The USB-C port, found already on the 12-inch MacBook, will also be seen on the MacBook Pro. A USB-C port is an all-in-one function that lets you charge the computer, connect to USB drives and other displays, and transfer data.
- New colors: More color options like gray, gold, and silver may be coming to the new MacBook Pro.
It's exciting to see the MacBook Pro get all these upgrades, though it's about time. A new speculation from MacRumors suggests that Apple is preparing to test a new macOS 10.12.1 beta next week in order to finalize any issues and use it on the new MacBook models. 9to5Mac also reported that the MacBook unveiling event could take place on Oct. 24. We'll just have to keep waiting to see when they do arrive and which rumors are true.
9 Reasons We'll Never, Ever Be Over the Avocado Toast Trend
The food world and your Instagram might have moved over from avocado toast and into shishito-pepper everything, but we're not quite ready to give up on the snack - in fact, we don't think we'll ever be.
There's nothing that compares to being able to enjoy avocado . . . on bread! With delicious salty or sweet toppings! At any time of the day! If you agree, or even if you don't, scroll ahead to find nine reasons you'll never hear us say: "Avocado toast? It's so overdone!"
Dunkin' Donuts's New Oreo Hot Chocolate Will Make You Forget All About Pumpkin Spice
Dear pumpkin spice, after careful consideration, we've decided to break up with you thanks to new Oreo-flavored hot chocolate. Dunkin' Donuts announced plans to expand its Fall menu with the release of cookies-and-cream hot cocoa, available for a limited time during the Fall and Winter months. While some food and drink combinations have taken the hybrid craze a little far, this seems like the ultimate combo of our lifelong favorite cookie and essential Fall drink. With cooler days rapidly approaching, we can't help but thank Dunkin' for coming up with this genius combination.
You NEED This Coffeemaker Alarm Clock in Your Life - and You Can Preorder It Now!
Update: This magical coffee-making alarm clock is finally becoming a reality! You can preorder it on Indiegogo for $299 (compared to retail price of $420), and it's expected to ship in September 2017. The newest iteration of the product hasn't changed so much from the original concept, except now there's a white model available as well.
Original story: Who wouldn't want a fresh cup of coffee the moment they start their day? Josh Renouf, a very talented product designer, created a new gadget that every tech and coffee junkie has dreamed about. Introducing the sleek and elegantly designed Barisieur, which serves as both an alarm clock and a coffee- (and tea-) brewing system.
While in school, Josh wanted to create a product that could be tangible and useful. "In the morning, people are complaining about 'Ooohhh it's Monday' or 'not work again.' I thought this could bring people happiness to their mornings, give them something to look forward to, and who does not like to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee or tea in the morning?" he explained. This gadget is currently in development stages, but you can sign up to know when it'll be available.
This Board of Education Thinks Teaching Islam Isn't "Age-Appropriate" For Middle School Students
In Tennessee, the Board of Education recently proposed the removal of Islam in statewide social studies classes for middle school students. In a new curriculum draft that was made public on Sept. 15, it is apparent that a section that was previously there, titled "Islamic World," was entirely removed.
According to the Kingsport Times-News, the draft's remaining sections included Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and more religions. The decision to remove Islam, however, is reportedly an effort to make the curriculum more "age-appropriate."
If approved, the curriculum change would be tested out during the 2018 to 2019 school year and could then become a permanent change the following year. Sullivan County Board of Education Chairman Michael Hughes hinted at the decision being informed by some parents' beliefs and opinions on the religion. He is reported saying, "I don't believe they want it taught at all."
The controversial idea will be under review until Oct. 28.
The Smartest Whole Foods Shoppers Take Advantage of This Hack
We reached out to a Whole Foods employee to learn insider tips, and the best secret she shared is that you can taste anything before you buy it. Seriously - there's a company-wide Try Before You Buy policy. This includes but is not limited to anything fresh from the produce section or any packaged foods within the center aisles of the store. She told POPSUGAR, "This is super handy when you head into the produce section. I've used it for things like a new apple variety - I'm very particular about apples. If there's a new apple that comes out, you can just ask someone in the produce section to cut you a slice, and then it actually turns into this fun communal thing because if you do that then other people will see it, and then you're hanging out with other customers."
You might want to brace yourself for what she told me next. "The same thing works for the cheese department, which is extra fun. If you have a specific question, you can end up tasting a bunch of cheeses to get the right one for whatever you're up to. Also, team members are completely empowered to open things on the interior shelves, too. If there's some weird cracker and you're like, 'Can this possibly be good if it's a gluten-free, seed-based cracker?' You can try it before you decide to buy it."
Cheese! Lacinato kale! Vegan white-cheddar popcorn! Not that I'm encouraging taking advantage of this tip so much that you get a free lunch made of samples from all over the store, but I'm just saying it's possible. Even frequent Whole Foods shoppers (like me) had no idea this budget-friendly policy existed. So the next time you step into your neighborhood Whole Foods Market, avoid the "Whole Foods, whole paycheck" stereotype by simply asking someone to try what you're eyeing.
The Doctor-Approved Secret to Clearing Your Hormonal Acne That Actually Works
Image Source: Adriano Russo
When I tell you how I finally cleared up my hormonal acne, it is going to sound so painstakingly obvious that it might even seem . . . annoying. To make a long story short: I met with a doctor who helped me balance my hormones and improve my gut health, and my skin has never looked better.
At the start of Spring, I booked an appointment with Dr. Keith Berkowitz, an MD (internist) located in NYC who worked with Dr. Robert C. Atkins (as in the Atkins diet) for six years and now specializes in how eating affects health. He gave me a glucose test, took my blood, analyzed the lab results, and diagnosed me with reactive hypoglycemia. The latter means I process sugar unusually quickly, so I can't eat much of it (even fruit!). I learned I had high testosterone levels and was iodine deficient.
According to the American Thyroid Association, iodine is an element (not made by the body) needed for the production of the thyroid hormone. You get iodine from your diet and various foods, and if you do not have enough of it, you can't make the thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance.
I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
"Women today are struggling with increased hormonal imbalance causing estrogen dominance, low levels of progesterone, and high levels of testosterone and DHEA [an endogenous steroid hormone]," Dr. Berkowitz told me via email. "This is complicated by the overall decrease in hormone levels as we age. It leads to women having dull, dry skin; a rush of wrinkles; increased pigmentation; and increased acne."
So I began on a journey to balance out what was going on internally by changing my diet and taking supplements. When it came to eating, I had previously spent a year living off of morning smoothies and eliminating gluten and dairy. Though it was technically "healthy," I was eating way too much fruit and spiking my blood sugar.
Dr. Berkowitz tweaked my diet so that I was eating more balanced, portion-controlled meals and snacks that include carbohydrates (including vegetables and fruits) with high-fiber foods and lean protein or healthy fats (like avocado). "It is important that you eat three meals and one snack every day," he explained of his general diet philosophy. "Eating balanced meals will minimize fluctuations in blood sugar and increases in insulin levels."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
He immediately added bread back into my regime, but only low-carb (Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Flax Seed Bread), and I can have just one piece at a time to ensure I am not carb-loading. I was permitted low-lactose dairy, such as goat cheese, since it is a great source of protein. In addition, I eat a lot of organic chicken and salmon, eggs, salads dressed with olive oil and lemon (rather than sugary dressing), and low-carb Wasa crackers topped with hummus and avocado. My smoothies were tweaked: instead of blending in four fruits, I can have one (usually low-sugar, antioxidant-rich berries). Any time I do eat fruit, I can have half the amount (such as half a pear) and mix it with protein, such as a spoon of almond butter. Eating this way has stabilized my blood sugar (I no longer get 3 p.m. sugar cravings), and I feel less restless overall.
On the supplements front, I started taking kelp supplements to help with my iodine deficiency, DIM Plus to give me an estrogen boost, and theanine, which just helps me relax at night.
I expected to debloat (I did!) and lose a few pounds (check!), but what I did not see coming was how these tweaks would significantly affect my skin. Pre-Dr. Berkowitz, I had combination skin, meaning I would occasionally get pimples in places I am greasier (usually my cheeks and chin). And every month a few days before my period, I got a few "lurkers" (below-the-skin pimples) around my chin. These are typically caused by hormones and can't be cured by creams - they have to go away on their own.
After a Summer spent traveling as far as Greece and Prague, wearing tons of gooey sunscreen, and straight-up sweating, I expected to see my usual cluster of whiteheads on my cheeks. I have also waited each month for the arrival of those chin lurkers. But for the past three months, my skin has been completely and totally clear. I have no dryness and no oiliness. The lines on my forehead are naturally smoothing out and the redness around my nose fading. I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
What had changed was my gut health. "Tiny bacteria in the gut are one of the major control systems in the body," Dr. Berkowitz explained. "These bacteria have a direct role in helping maintain the health of the skin. They help your absorb nutrients needed to protect and repair itself. They protect the integrity of the gut lining. The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
He also told me that gut in the bacteria can cause acne, because that area produces something called substance P. This affects sebum production (the cause of oily skin).
My gut bacteria wasn't all that had been regulated after three months of sticking to Dr. Berkowitz's plan: my hormones tested more balanced, my iodine levels were better, and my glucose more stable.
"The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
"Your eating plan led to your hormones being better balanced - lowering DHEA and testosterone - and having better balance with progesterone and estrogen," Dr. Berkowitz told me when I asked how this could have affected my skin. "The lifestyle also leads to lower levels of cortisol [a hormone that regulates stress, metabolism, and inflammation] and insulin [the hormone that regulates metabolism and gives your cells energy]." He noted that when these hormones are high, it can cause drier skin and premature aging. This is because there is a connection between stress and the deterioration of cells, and skin is made up of cells.
A hormone imbalance can also cause discoloration of the skin. "Estrogen and progesterone can trigger the melasma, which are brown or light gray patches of pigmentation that most commonly appear on the face," he said. "It usually appears between the ages of 20-50 and is most common in pregnant women or those on an oral contraceptive pill."
In addition, he shared that low estrogen can lead to decreased collagen production and more wrinkling of the skin. Low levels of progesterone are associated with decreased skin elasticity. And a deficiency in DHEA is problematic, because it helps control oil production. DHEA also increases collagen production, which you want for youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to testosterone, having too much can lead to acne through an increased sebum production. So that explains why decreasing my testosterone levels eliminated my breakouts.
Though my situation was very specific, others can benefit from getting their blood tested and tweaking in specific ways that make sense for them (as instructed by a professional MD). While we are in no way telling you to run out and try a bunch of supplements to balance all of this out (please talk to your doctor first!), regulating your hormones and improving your gut health can directly give you clearer skin with better tone and texture. It happened to me!
If you get the OK from your doctor, here is a list of supplements (from Dr. Berkowitz) and what they do:
- Alpha lipoic acid: helps stop the stiffening of collagen fibers.
- Antioxidants: stop free radical production. For example, vitamins A, C, and E help to better hydrate the skin.
- Hydrolyzed collagen: reduces wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates skin. (Yes, you can take the popular skin care ingredient as a supplement, as well!)
- Astaxanthin: fights free radicals and prevents damage from the sun and other environmental toxins.
Here are specific supplements for acne:
- Zinc: helps accelerate the development of new clear skin cells and reduce the inflammatory response to bacteria.
- Probiotic: promotes healthy or good bacteria and thus decreases the inflammatory response that damages skin.
- Coconut oil: helps replace the protective acid layer that keeps skin healthy and reduces inflammation.
He also shared an anti-inflammatory eating plan:
- Avoid refined carbohydrates, which increase insulin and inflammation.
- Avoid gluten, cow's milk dairy, processed foods, and excessive amounts of omega-6, which are all pro-inflammatory.
- Increase use of spices: turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and parsley all have anti-inflammatory effects to help keep the skin healthy and slow down the aging process.
Should My Kindergartner Have Homework? (And Should I Make Her Do It?)
I realized that my daughter's kindergarten was going to be much different than her preschool long before I put her on the bus that first day. Gone were the quaint little emails from her teacher outlining the few required supplies and hopes for a "super fun year." Instead, I bought a $50 pre-packed supply box online and attended at least four introductory events. Gone was the amazing student-teacher ratio (last year, it was one teacher for every six kids). In kindergarten, she'd share one teacher with 20 other students.
I was grateful that the insanely short school day, just long enough to run to the grocery and maybe grab a coffee before pick-up time, was gone. But I missed how, in preschool, academic life ended the minute the kids were released from the classroom. Once that three-hour day was done, neither of us had any school-related responsibilities beyond me going through her cute little canvas bag to decide whether that day's crafts were going in the "keep" or "covertly toss while she's sleeping" piles. Kindergarten is a lot more work - for both of us.
The differences start with the schedule. I now wake up my daughter at 6:30 every morning so she can make her 7:27 bus pick-up time. She's delivered back to me seven hours later, an unthinkable span that somehow still seems way too short some days (I blame her 2-year-old brother). I get emails constantly, from PTO, the school board, the school district, and her teacher (who must have been a saint in a previous life because she's been happily teaching for 30 years), all of which are usually asking something from me, either directly or indirectly.
My daughter still brings home the occasional craft, but mostly her take-home mail folder is stocked with completed worksheets . . . number worksheets, spelling worksheets, worksheets teaching her about the days of the week, the seasons, and weather in general. Sh*t has gotten serious.
Nowhere is that more obvious than the second folder she brings home each day: the homework folder. I kind of thought it was a joke at first. Like, wink, wink, let's let the kindergartners feel big, like real students. I was wrong. She has legitimate homework, and she's 5. Am I the only one that feels slightly weird about that?
Her teacher explained to us that she would only send homework designed to reinforce concepts that had already been presented during the normal school day. As parents, we wouldn't be responsible for introducing anything new, just helping our kids practice things they had ostensibly already learned. I appreciate that, mostly because even getting my daughter to fill out the simplest worksheet is a battle once she's home.
After her long school day (full day kindergarten is mandatory in our district), she wants to do the following things: eat 10,000 snacks, play with her dolls and/or iPad, change into the booty shorts I won't let her wear to school, and order me and her little brother around. What she does not want to do: listen when I tell her she needs to do just one more thing for school.
I asked her what she thinks about homework, and she had the following response: "I don't like it." Why, I probed. "I don't know, and I don't want to talk about it anymore, okay, mom?" I had to agree with her assessment. There's nothing inherently wrong with sending home a few practice sheets (though on the weekends, it's often more than a few) to ensure she's grasping the new concepts she's learning daily, but something about it feels icky to both of us. She's still a little kid, but it's like she has almost zero time to act like one.
Still the decision of whether to force her to do her homework isn't an easy one. Do I let it slide, sending back unfinished sheets with a note saying, "she was too tired"? My inner people pleaser and former honor roll student rejects that notion. Plus, I don't want to teach her that following her teacher's instructions is optional. That seems like a bad long-term strategy for both of our lives.
For now, we've settled into a routine of doing what I would describe as half-assed homework. She does the bare minimum to look like she tried, and I'm satisfied with that. Hopefully her teacher is, too. I mean, she's 5, and homework, even now, is hard.
For These Stars, the Best Paris Views Are From the Front Row
Paris may be known as the City of Light, full of spectacular sights and historical landmarks. But during the city's Fashion Week, all of that tends to take a back seat. Stars settle into the front row at runway shows, viewing designs from the likes of Lanvin, Balmain, and Chloé, and quickly adding each stunning piece to their future shopping lists.
This time around, a few models took a break, checking out what was coming down the catwalk rather than walking on it. Kim Kardashian and her family also popped up at Balmain, and yes - the outfits were daring. Scroll through to see what's going down front row in ol' Paree. Then check out the street style, which is a show in itself.
These Bloggers Will Help You Pull Off Kate Middleton's Look in Seconds
You're not just charmed by preppy style, you want to straight up dress like Kate Middleton. Her look is the perfect blend of feminine and sophisticated, and it's in a zone all its own. While you might not be able to get your hands on bespoke pieces from British fashion houses, we found a much easier way for you to channel the duchess.
Here, we've gathered our favorite bloggers who put a modern spin on Kate's polished outfits. While these ladies don't re-create her ensembles piece for piece, they definitely wear plenty of items the queen would approve of. Read on to start following the fashion girls who are as close to Kate as it gets.
Alexa PenaVega's Pregnancy Glow Is Officially the Ultimate Red Carpet Accessory
Alexa PenaVega and her husband, Carlos PenaVega, attended Variety Latino's 10 Latinos to Watch event in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, but all eyes were on their unborn baby boy, Ocean King.
The expecting duo could not keep their hands off Alexa's growing belly as they posed for the cameras on the red carpet, completely beaming with happiness in the process. Keep scrolling to see more pictures of Carlos and Alexa, including a better look at her gorgeous polka-dot dress and metallic pumps. Then, admire their cutest couple moments.
Deadly drug carfentanil is in Winnipeg, police confirm
Winnipeg police have confirmed the deadly street drug carfentanil is in the city.
Deadly drug carfentanil is in Winnipeg, police confirm
Winnipeg police have confirmed the deadly street drug carfentanil is in the city.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
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