Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 16 mars 2017
13 Best Daily Habits For Losing Weight
Losing weight doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of lots of little decisions and choices that all add up, and it's something you need to think about every day. So keep these daily habits in mind that will make losing weight feel easier and less like a chore.
Why Digestion Is Messed Up During Your Period
It's beyond rough when you suffer from digestive issues during your period. To help answer a reader's question on this matter, we turned to a board-certified physician who practices in southern California for her expert advice.
Dear Doctor,
I am wondering why my digestion goes haywire during my menstrual period. I always keep my diet clean and exercise daily, but I can't seem to combat the gas, diarrhea, constipation, and constant gurgly noises coming from my gut! What could this be and how can I stop it?
Oh, what fun menstruation is! It's our monthly reminder that we are capable of reproducing, which is a beautiful thing! But, unfortunately, it brings with it some not-so-fun symptoms, including the ones you've listed: gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The most straightforward answer for your question is that these symptoms you have are due to hormones and chemicals!
The intricate balance of hormones and chemicals is what allows ovulation and menstruation to take place. Estrogen is the hormone that is important in preparing the egg for ovulation. According to MedicineNet.com, it is the progesterone, and to a lesser extent estrogen, that is the culprit for a few of the symptoms you have. Progesterone is the hormone that increases immediately after ovulation and decreases slowly until its levels drop enough to trigger menstruation. The main symptoms that progesterone (and estrogen) cause are bloating, gas, and constipation. This is secondary to the slowing or quieting effect on the contractility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract that progesterone causes.
Once menstruation is triggered, chemicals called prostaglandins are released. Everyday Health explains that prostaglandins are important in that they cause the uterus to contract to slough off the uterine lining during menstruation. Prostaglandins, especially if present in excess, can lead to uterine cramping and discomfort that some women experience during their menstrual period. In a published study on prostaglandins and the menstrual cycle, prostaglandin levels measured in women during their periods showed that women with diarrhea had higher levels of prostaglandins in their system. Thus, it is possible that higher or excess levels of prostaglandins could be the cause of the diarrhea and gurgly noises you experience during your period, as they cause increased contraction and motility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
Typically, most women experience constipation prior to their menstrual period and this resolves within the first few days of menstruation. Also, according to Everyday Health, generally speaking, women who experience diarrhea during their menstrual cycle typically get it once menstruation has started and it usually occurs in the first three days of your menstrual period. However, all women are different in terms of the levels of hormones they have, and thus, different women can experience different symptoms at different times during their menstrual cycle.
Another study found that women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience digestive disturbances during their menstrual periods compared to women without chronic bowel problems. Not all women who experience gastrointestinal problems during menstruation have IBS, but it's something to talk to your physician about if your symptoms are extreme. Anytime your symptoms are extreme, or you are experiencing significant pain or bloody stools, you should consult with your physician for further workup and treatment.
There are many things that can be done in the premenstrual and menstrual period to try and alleviate your symptoms. You can alter your diet to include lots of high-fiber foods, whole grains, and vegetables, and limit intake of extra salt, dairy, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. You can manage or decrease stress by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or by talking with someone. Regular exercise is also recommended during your premenstrual and menstrual period, which can help reduce stress and help your digestive system function more smoothly. Keeping a diary of your GI symptoms prior to and during your period may help you identify patterns with symptoms and food/exercise/behaviors and then a plan can be developed to optimize or avoid certain things during these times to minimize symptoms. Some people's menstrual symptoms may improve by taking medications such as Advil or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) that decrease prostaglandin levels. These medications are relatively well tolerated with short-term use, although they can upset the stomach and are best taken with a small amount of food. Contraindications to use of NSAIDs include: pregnancy, history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, bleeding abnormalities, and history of allergy to this type of drug. For more information on whether this type of medication is safe for you to take, you should consult with your primary care physician.
DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
Katie Holmes Walked the Red Carpet - and Then Changed Into These Amazing Shoes
If you thought wearing heels was hard already, imagine being a celebrity. Not only do they have to walk the red carpet for what seems like hours (all while smiling and posing for pictures), but they have to do it all over again at afterparties, too. Katie Holmes was smart enough to pack this one pair of shoes to switch into when her feet had finally had enough: sneakers.
Katie posed on the red carpet in beige strappy stilettos but we were fangirling hard over the Adidas Stan Smiths she changed into at the end of the night. The actress isn't the first one to use this amazing styling hack, Viola Davis changed into metallic Stella McCartney creepers after this year's Oscars. Take a look at Katie's look below and shop similar fresh kicks, too.
Stop What You're Doing and Watch Kate Middleton Sing in Her School Play
Of course we're all aware now that Kate Middleton can command a crowd, but long before she stole our hearts as Duchess of Cambridge, Kate was just a normal preteen participating in school activities. In addition to being on the tennis, field hockey, and swim teams, Kate also starred in her school production of My Fair Lady; the 11-year-old future princess shined in her role as Eliza Doolittle, which you can see clearly in this video of her singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" Watch the video above now, then check out more of Kate's most relatable moments.
Why Digestion Is Messed Up During Your Period
It's beyond rough when you suffer from digestive issues during your period. To help answer a reader's question on this matter, we turned to a board-certified physician who practices in southern California for her expert advice.
Dear Doctor,
I am wondering why my digestion goes haywire during my menstrual period. I always keep my diet clean and exercise daily, but I can't seem to combat the gas, diarrhea, constipation, and constant gurgly noises coming from my gut! What could this be and how can I stop it?
Oh, what fun menstruation is! It's our monthly reminder that we are capable of reproducing, which is a beautiful thing! But, unfortunately, it brings with it some not-so-fun symptoms, including the ones you've listed: gas/bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The most straightforward answer for your question is that these symptoms you have are due to hormones and chemicals!
The intricate balance of hormones and chemicals is what allows ovulation and menstruation to take place. Estrogen is the hormone that is important in preparing the egg for ovulation. According to MedicineNet.com, it is the progesterone, and to a lesser extent estrogen, that is the culprit for a few of the symptoms you have. Progesterone is the hormone that increases immediately after ovulation and decreases slowly until its levels drop enough to trigger menstruation. The main symptoms that progesterone (and estrogen) cause are bloating, gas, and constipation. This is secondary to the slowing or quieting effect on the contractility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract that progesterone causes.
Once menstruation is triggered, chemicals called prostaglandins are released. Everyday Health explains that prostaglandins are important in that they cause the uterus to contract to slough off the uterine lining during menstruation. Prostaglandins, especially if present in excess, can lead to uterine cramping and discomfort that some women experience during their menstrual period. In a published study on prostaglandins and the menstrual cycle, prostaglandin levels measured in women during their periods showed that women with diarrhea had higher levels of prostaglandins in their system. Thus, it is possible that higher or excess levels of prostaglandins could be the cause of the diarrhea and gurgly noises you experience during your period, as they cause increased contraction and motility of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
Typically, most women experience constipation prior to their menstrual period and this resolves within the first few days of menstruation. Also, according to Everyday Health, generally speaking, women who experience diarrhea during their menstrual cycle typically get it once menstruation has started and it usually occurs in the first three days of your menstrual period. However, all women are different in terms of the levels of hormones they have, and thus, different women can experience different symptoms at different times during their menstrual cycle.
Another study found that women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to experience digestive disturbances during their menstrual periods compared to women without chronic bowel problems. Not all women who experience gastrointestinal problems during menstruation have IBS, but it's something to talk to your physician about if your symptoms are extreme. Anytime your symptoms are extreme, or you are experiencing significant pain or bloody stools, you should consult with your physician for further workup and treatment.
There are many things that can be done in the premenstrual and menstrual period to try and alleviate your symptoms. You can alter your diet to include lots of high-fiber foods, whole grains, and vegetables, and limit intake of extra salt, dairy, sugar, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. You can manage or decrease stress by using relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or by talking with someone. Regular exercise is also recommended during your premenstrual and menstrual period, which can help reduce stress and help your digestive system function more smoothly. Keeping a diary of your GI symptoms prior to and during your period may help you identify patterns with symptoms and food/exercise/behaviors and then a plan can be developed to optimize or avoid certain things during these times to minimize symptoms. Some people's menstrual symptoms may improve by taking medications such as Advil or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) that decrease prostaglandin levels. These medications are relatively well tolerated with short-term use, although they can upset the stomach and are best taken with a small amount of food. Contraindications to use of NSAIDs include: pregnancy, history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, asthma, bleeding abnormalities, and history of allergy to this type of drug. For more information on whether this type of medication is safe for you to take, you should consult with your primary care physician.
DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
Beauty and the Beast: Who Plays the Enchantress?
Image Source: Walt Disney Studios
Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast hits theaters this weekend, and there are quite a few adjustments from the original version. Not only is there an "exclusively gay moment" in the upcoming film, but some of the characters get more of a backstory, including the enchantress who cast the infamous curse. Even though we only get a glimpse of her in the first scene when Prince Adam transforms into the Beast, by the end of the film it is revealed that she's actually been keeping a close eye on the castle by disguising herself as a townsperson named Agathe in the nearby village where Belle lives. So, who plays the magical woman?
It's English actress Hattie Morahan. If you fancy British series, then you might recognize her for her roles on Ballot Monkeys, Arthur & George, and Outnumbered. And this isn't her first Disney live-action movie either. She also had a small role as Queen Elsemere in Alice Through the Looking Glass in 2016. Here's a picture of her from the Beauty and the Beast premiere in London:
Image Source: Getty / Jeff Spicer
25 Fascinating Facts That Will Make You Love Alton Brown Even More
Alton Brown is known for his wittiness and next-level food knowledge. If you're a fan of the Food Network veteran, you probably know that he has a live show called Eat Your Science and a ton of great recipes up his sleeve. But there are so many interesting facts you probably don't know that will only make you love him even more. For example, he started Good Eats in the late '90s because he thought most cooking shows were "dull and uninformative," so he quit the film business, enrolled in culinary training, and came up with the entertaining show. Pretty awesome, right? Keep reading to find out 25 more fascinating facts about the Cutthroat Kitchen host.
- He delivered pizza in college.
- He's addicted to canned sardines.
- He has over 2,000 cookbooks in his office library.
- His bow tie collection is no joke. "I have 200 bow ties at home. I inherited most of them. When an art school professor retired, he sent me his collection, which was 145 bow ties that he collected over a 30-year period," he said in a Food Network interview.
- Before his culinary career, he spent 10 years working as a cinematographer and commercial director.
- He lives in Georgia (and is always sharing the best Southern eats on his Instagram).
- He loves motorcycles.
- His favorite food to eat is fried chicken, he revealed in an interview with Spoon University. (And obviously his homemade version looks amazing.)
- His favorite food to cook is eggs - "perfect omelets still give me amazing joy," he said in the same interview.
- His favorite cocktail is a boulevardier.
- His favorite beer is a saison.
- He has two Corgis.
- He loves to scuba dive.
- He's won two James Beard awards.
- He believes that if you put vodka in a martini, it's not a martini.
- He flies his own airplane. "It's a Cessna 414A and it was built in 1979. She has two engines and holds eight people and she's very pretty," he described on his Facebook page.
- He always has hummus on hand.
- He listens to vinyl.
- His specialty is meat. "My daughter calls me the meat whisperer," he wrote on Facebook.
- He's on Snapchat! His username is thealtonbrown.
- His favorite cookbook is the 1962 edition of The Joy of Cooking.
- He has not only written eight cookbooks, but he also illustrated them all!
- The reason he learned to cook? To get dates. "I wasn't very successful," he admitted to his Facebook fans.
- His weakness? American cast-iron pots and pans.
- He hates - really, really hates - unitaskers.
100 Easy Outfits to Try When You Have Zero Clue What to Wear
If you've ever promised yourself you'd wake up early only to snooze five different alarms and stumble out of bed last minute, we feel you. Waking up can be rough - but not quite as rough as getting dressed on mornings like these. Nothing looks right (were you insane when you bought that top?!), clothes are everywhere, and you're about a nanosecond away from sobbing and pretending you're sick. ("Sorry, can't adult today.")
But rather than give up, what you need is a little direction. The key is not to overthink it: instead of channeling your inner runway model, opt for basics and style them around one statement-making piece. Read on for more inspiration as a few of our favorite bloggers show you how it's done. And just remember to breathe!
Stop What You're Doing and Watch Kate Middleton Sing in Her School Play
Of course we're all aware now that Kate Middleton can command a crowd, but long before she stole our hearts as Duchess of Cambridge, Kate was just a normal preteen participating in school activities. In addition to being on the tennis, field hockey, and swim teams, Kate also starred in her school production of My Fair Lady; the 11-year-old future princess shined in her role as Eliza Doolittle, which you can see clearly in this video of her singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" Watch the video above now, then check out more of Kate's most relatable moments.
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William Broke Up Before Getting Married
Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein
If you and your significant other have a history of breaking up and making up, you're not alone: there have been a handful of celebrity couples who suffered a split before ultimately getting married, and one of them has royal ties. Yes, Kate Middleton and Prince William called off their relationship before their lavish wedding in April 2011. In 2007, four years after they began dating and four years before tying the knot, the royal couple hit a rough patch and decided to part ways. Clarence House declined to comment about the relationship's end at the time, saying, "We don't comment on Prince William's private life."
"We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters."So why did they split? In late 2006, Kate's family invited William to celebrate New Year's Eve with them. The Middletons booked a house in the snowy Scotland countryside. William had agreed to come, but later changed his mind - which did not sit well with Kate. Spending the holidays in Sandringham with the queen is a strict royal tradition, and Kate was not technically allowed to join in his family festivities unless she and William were married. After the new year, William's military commitments - he was to be stationed with the Household Cavalry at Bovington Barracks in Dorset for three months - kept the couple from seeing each other, and Kate was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the aggressive paparazzi and media attention she was getting as his girlfriend. William was also going out a lot with other guys in the barracks; he was spotted on a number of occasions drinking, dancing, and "being flirty" with women in London, which further angered Kate.
The two secretly reunited at a themed party in June 2010, which was held in William's barracks to celebrate the end of his training. It was during their vacation in Kenya that October that William presented Kate with the same 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring worn by his late mother, Princess Diana, and asked her to marry him. "I didn't really plan it that far in advance," William told reporters after the engagement was made public. "I just knew I wanted it to feel comfortable where I did it and I wanted it to mean something, other than just the act of getting engaged."
Image Source: Getty / George Pimentel
As we all know, in April 2011, Will and Kate went on to marry in one of the biggest and most newsworthy weddings of our generation. They welcomed their first child, Prince George, in July 2013, followed by Princess Charlotte, who was born in May 2015. In a joint interview after their engagement, William said of their split, "We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters." He went on: "It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up so it was just a bit of space, and it worked out for the better." See? There's still hope for your own fairy-tale ending.
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William Broke Up Before Getting Married
Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein
If you and your significant other have a history of breaking up and making up, you're not alone: there have been a handful of celebrity couples who suffered a split before ultimately getting married, and one of them has royal ties. Yes, Kate Middleton and Prince William called off their relationship before their lavish wedding in April 2011. In 2007, four years after they began dating and four years before tying the knot, the royal couple hit a rough patch and decided to part ways. Clarence House declined to comment about the relationship's end at the time, saying, "We don't comment on Prince William's private life."
"We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters."So why did they split? In late 2006, Kate's family invited William to celebrate New Year's Eve with them. The Middletons booked a house in the snowy Scotland countryside. William had agreed to come, but later changed his mind - which did not sit well with Kate. Spending the holidays in Sandringham with the queen is a strict royal tradition, and Kate was not technically allowed to join in his family festivities unless she and William were married. After the new year, William's military commitments - he was to be stationed with the Household Cavalry at Bovington Barracks in Dorset for three months - kept the couple from seeing each other, and Kate was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the aggressive paparazzi and media attention she was getting as his girlfriend. William was also going out a lot with other guys in the barracks; he was spotted on a number of occasions drinking, dancing, and "being flirty" with women in London, which further angered Kate.
The two secretly reunited at a themed party in June 2010, which was held in William's barracks to celebrate the end of his training. It was during their vacation in Kenya that October that William presented Kate with the same 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring worn by his late mother, Princess Diana, and asked her to marry him. "I didn't really plan it that far in advance," William told reporters after the engagement was made public. "I just knew I wanted it to feel comfortable where I did it and I wanted it to mean something, other than just the act of getting engaged."
Image Source: Getty / George Pimentel
As we all know, in April 2011, Will and Kate went on to marry in one of the biggest and most newsworthy weddings of our generation. They welcomed their first child, Prince George, in July 2013, followed by Princess Charlotte, who was born in May 2015. In a joint interview after their engagement, William said of their split, "We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters." He went on: "It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up so it was just a bit of space, and it worked out for the better." See? There's still hope for your own fairy-tale ending.
8 Stretches Your Tight Hips Are Begging For
Tight hips seem to be a common problem for almost everybody - from runners to cyclists, from deskbound bloggers to dancers. Give this area a little extra love with this sequence of eight hip-opening stretches to increase your flexibility, reduce discomfort, and prevent injury. Try the series in the order listed here, or pick your favorites to incorporate into your workout routine.
This Is What Solved My Extreme Bloating Problem That 4 Doctors Couldn't Figure Out
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
"For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
This post was originally published on October 26, 2016.
8 Stretches Your Tight Hips Are Begging For
Tight hips seem to be a common problem for almost everybody - from runners to cyclists, from deskbound bloggers to dancers. Give this area a little extra love with this sequence of eight hip-opening stretches to increase your flexibility, reduce discomfort, and prevent injury. Try the series in the order listed here, or pick your favorites to incorporate into your workout routine.
This Is What Solved My Extreme Bloating Problem That 4 Doctors Couldn't Figure Out
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
"For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
This post was originally published on October 26, 2016.
Victoria Beckham Dared to Wear These Sky-High Heels in Winter
Wearing heels in the snow? That's a hard pass from us - unless we're Victoria Beckham, then we'd make it work. Completely unfazed by the weather conditions in NYC, the star stepped out in Chelsea wearing the tallest heels we've seen her in. The Alaia platform boots gave her a boost in height while balancing out the pant's wide-leg style. The shoes peaked out from underneath her trousers, which happened to be from her Fall '17 collection. Victoria's in the city to promote her Target collection and despite the snow, it seems she couldn't resist packing heels and several of her runway looks.
The boots are cold-hard proof that Posh Spice would never, ever completely ditch stiletto styles. Even as she experiments with flats and sneakers, we imagine that heels will always be a staple in her closet. Plus, wearing a sky-high bootie isn't a big deal when a mini blue carpet is rolled out for you. Scroll on to see Victoria's daring shoe moment and then shop for a pair of your own.
Wet n Wild's Dreamy Highlighters Are Cotton-Candy Heaven - and They're Cruelty-Free
After the mayhem Wet n Wild caused by launching its mesmerizing rainbow highlighter, we weren't surprised to hear that the brand had more iridescent makeup magic coming down the pipeline. However, instead of a vibrantly striped pressed powder, Wet n Wild is capturing the hearts of funky makeup fanatics with a more delicate take on rainbow highlighter.
This limited-edition version of the cult-favorite MegaGlo Highlighting Powders is part of the brand's Queen of My Heart collection. It's available in two hues - a light lilac and a baby pink - and both are impressively iridescent. But our favorite characteristic of the compact is the heart debossed in the center. (Our elementary school-aged selves would love these highlighters as much as we do now . . . so dreamy!) Best of all, they are super affordable at just $5 and are cruelty-free.
You can snag them now in your local drugstore or online at wetnwildbeauty.com. Read on to see both stunning shades.
Ed Sheeran Can Do Anything, Covers 50 Cent .2 Seconds After He's Asked To
Is there anything Ed Sheeran can't do? No. The answer is no. The singer, who recently released his first album in nearly three years, Divide, stopped by The Howard Stern Show this week to further prove his musical talents. After the host told Sheeran that he wanted to hear some covers because he thinks he does "really interesting takes on other people's music," Sheeran happily obliged. Howard then brought up doing something for 50 Cent's "In Da Club," and Sheeran launched right into an amazing cover without any practice. He also sang Coldplay's "Yellow" and Blackstreet's "No Diggity." Watch the entire thing above to be completely blown away.
Ed Sheeran's "Galway Girl" Is Your New St. Patrick's Day Theme Song
Ed Sheeran has been dominating the charts, the radio, and award shows with his hit single, "Shape of You," but when his full Divide album was released on March 3, a few other songs quickly made their way onto our playlists. One of them, "Galway Girl," has caused a wave of attention due to the fact that St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and the girl the song was reportedly inspired by has already been identified. The song, which seems to incorporate a bit of the background music from the original by Steve Earle, is about a night Ed spent drinking on Dublin's famous Grafton Street, where he met a girl in an Irish band and they ended up hitting it off.
The woman behind the lyrics is reportedly Niamh Dunne from the band Beoga, whom Ed teamed up with for the song. A few things don't add up, however, as Niamh is from Limerick and not Galway, and she just got married in January. "I'm so happy with 'Galway Girl', Ed Sheeran knows how to write a great pop song and it's so catchy," she told Ireland's RTÉ. "As for being the inspiration I dunno if you could go that far really, Christ almighty and I am a Limerick woman! My sister said she knew straight away it couldn't be about me when later in the song she beats him at darts and pool." Either way, the song is so much fun and will be all over the bars come March 17.
Every Song You've Heard (and Loved) on Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is killing it (pun intended) in the music department. The first episode alone features seven fantastic songs - including the intro theme - that you'll almost definitely want on all your playlists, and there's even more on the following episodes. We're still in the dark about who's dead and whodunit, but at least we know there's plenty of good music in store! Take a look at what we've heard so far.
Why "Baby" Swim Lessons Are Total Bullsh*t
As new parents, there are so many things we are pressured to do with our children. Beyond feeling like we should breastfeed, sleep train, and make organic baby food for our precious little angels, there are the classes we feel compelled to enroll them, and therefore, ourselves, in. Before our kids even say their first words, we just know we're stunting their development if we don't put them in music class, take them to library story time, and pay to let them roll around a gym floor with other babies they completely ignore.
But the worst offender of all? Baby swim lessons.
I ignored most of the people who told me I should sign up my first baby for Gymboree or Suzuki or whatever classes that, to me, seemed excessive for a kid who spent most of her time napping, eating, and spitting up, but even I couldn't resist the call when it came to swim lessons. It was partly fear based - eventually she would be around a body of water in which she could potentially fall into, right? - but mostly it was selfish. I wanted her to like the water because her dad and I love a beach vacation, and we eventually wanted to sit on the sand or the side of the pool and drink cocktails on these vacations without fear of her dying.
So, when she was 6 months old, I signed her up and quickly realized that baby swim lessons are bullsh*t. What I expected: a trained professional to teach my infant to swim to the side of the pool or at least float on her back like those awesome babies on YouTube, basically to save herself from ever drowning.
I signed her up and quickly realized that baby swim lessons are bullsh*t
What I actually got: 45 minutes of holding a squirmy kid in pool, realizing that my prebaby swimwear was now completely inappropriate; singing songs, making silly faces, and helping my kid grab a plastic fish with a bunch of other, equally uncomfortable, half-dressed parents; then navigating the hell that is trying to get a freezing baby who can't even stand up and an equally freezing me dressed in a locker room surrounded by a bunch of similarly struggling babies and moms (and occasionally some dads since this was a "family" locker room).
All, as the instructor said, so our little ones would be "comfortable in the water." Gone were my dreams of watching my baby backstroke. Apparently blowing bubbles was the most difficult skill she might master. "Might" being the operative word.
After eight lessons, most of which I also dragged my husband to just so I could have someone to hand my fully dressed daughter while I stood dripping, I knew the truth: I had spent $200 to torture myself. And then, proving to myself that I am both not as smart as I like to think I am and more susceptible to mom guilt than I ever admit, I signed up for that torture again three years later with my son. After all, I didn't want him to think I love him less.
I waited until he could walk - flashing back to the Sophie's Choice that was deciding whether to let my daughter crawl around a dirty locker room floor or attempt to hold her while I peeled off my own wet swimsuit and put on dry clothes - an error in judgment because he was old enough to realize that these lessons were bullsh*t, too. He didn't want to be held in a circle of other babies while singing a ridiculous song. He didn't want to scoop, scoop, scoop his arms to some stupid floating toy.
He wanted to do two things: stand on the side and jump in over and over again, and dominate the one and only cool toy there, an elaborate water mill that he absolutely refused to let another child touch, instantly labeling himself as the class's problem child. And then, when he was done, no matter how far through the lesson we were, he was done, screaming until I gave the instructor a sad wave and led him out of the pool.
Swimming skills learned during our six-week session: zero.
Cost: $200.
So, mothers of the world, learn from my mistakes. Sure, you should sign your kids up for swim lessons. Just wait until they're old enough that you don't have to get in the pool with them - until they're old enough to actually learn how to swim. Before that? It's total bullsh*t.
Starbucks Introduces a Spring Version of Its Holiday Cups
Get your Instagrams ready: Starbucks just announced their first ever Spring cups, which come in three different shades of pastel. While the company is mostly known for its (sometimes controversial) holiday cups, something tells us you'll feel nothing but joy holding these gorgeous yellow, turquoise, and light green cups in your hand this Spring.
In addition to the bright colors, the new cups will also feature Spring-related doodles, including an adorable hand drawing of a bunny rabbit, among others. There's also white circles on each of the cups to allow customers to create their own fun designs in place of the Starbucks logo. The cups will be available for a limited time only in the United States and Canada starting March 16. Keep reading to see all of the cutest Starbucks Spring cups ahead.
The Heartbreaking Reason Behind the Hound's Massive Facial Scars
Sandor Clegane, better known as the Hound, has consistently been one of the most interesting characters to appear in Game of Thrones. He starts off as an unfeeling, callous, and violent warrior loyal to the late King Joffrey, but with a little help from Sansa and Arya, he gradually becomes a little less unfeeling, a little less callous, and a little less vio - OK, no, he's still pretty violent. Although the Hound is known for a lot of things (mostly gutting people with an ax, but that's neither here nor there), one of his most prominent traits is the giant scar that mars his face, the origin of which explains his predilection for brutality.
His violence, though graphic, is not surprising given the traumatic childhood he endured with his abusive, monstrous older brother, Gregor Clegane, aka the Mountain. In season one, Sandor briefly opens up to Sansa about the awful way he got his scars, telling her that when he was just a small boy, he picked up a toy that his older brother had cast aside and began to play with it. Without warning, Gregor suddenly grabbed Sandor and held his face against a burning brazier (the same oil-filled podiums that Daenerys tipped over to burn the Dothraki hut to the ground, FYI), and only stopped when a group of servants were able to pull him off. Sadly it was too late for the Hound, who sustained severe burns on the right side of his face and developed a debilitating fear of fire.
This incident has fueled the hatred between the Hound and the Mountain ever since, leading many fans to theorize about a potential duel between the two, referred to as Cleganebowl. The events in the eighth episode of season six seem to have destroyed any hope of that fight going down, but if it ever does, let's hope Sandor finally gets the vengeance he so deeply desires.
In the meantime, check out all the season seven details we have!
These Photos of Jason Momoa Prove Just How Large and Sexy He Really Is
Jason Momoa stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live last week, where he drank a few beers and threw some axes at a wall, as you do. But before he made his way inside, the Aquaman actor took some time to mingle with a few fans. Jason, dressed in black pants and a yellow t-shirt, showed off his signature long hair and arm tattoo as he took selfies and signed autographs. But while we're always mesmerized every time he steps out in public, this outing hilariously reminded us that he is a very huge man. In addition to towering over a group of security men, Jason also had to bend down to talk to a lot of his fans. After looking at these pictures we guarantee one of two things will happen: you will either leave work early today for a "personal" afternoon, or you will daydream about his large arms wrapping tightly around you. Now excuse us while we go email our boss . . .
These Photos of Jason Momoa Prove Just How Large and Sexy He Really Is
Jason Momoa stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live last week, where he drank a few beers and threw some axes at a wall, as you do. But before he made his way inside, the Aquaman actor took some time to mingle with a few fans. Jason, dressed in black pants and a yellow t-shirt, showed off his signature long hair and arm tattoo as he took selfies and signed autographs. But while we're always mesmerized every time he steps out in public, this outing hilariously reminded us that he is a very huge man. In addition to towering over a group of security men, Jason also had to bend down to talk to a lot of his fans. After looking at these pictures we guarantee one of two things will happen: you will either leave work early today for a "personal" afternoon, or you will daydream about his large arms wrapping tightly around you. Now excuse us while we go email our boss . . .
This Crazy Theory About Riverdale Would Change Everything
The CW's Riverdale has us hooked, but like most reboots, there are quite a few differences from the comics. Not only are Jughead and Betty officially an item, but there is a new mystery added with Jason Blossom's murder. While we certainly have a few ideas about how the series will unfold, one of the craziest theories is that the quiet town is heading towards a zombie apocalypse.
You might be wondering, how is this even possible? Well, it actually happens in the comics. As it turns out, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa also created Afterlife With Archie, a popular comic series about the Archie gang battling flesh-eating monsters. Adding more fuel to the flame is the teenage witch, Sabrina Spellman, who will reportedly appear in the series. In Afterlife, it is Sabrina who accidentally causes the apocalypse when she tries to resurrect Jughead's dog Hot Dog, and in turn, the undead creature turns him into a zombie.
While it's pretty hard for us to wrap our minds around a zombie Jughead (let alone a zombie dog), there are a few moments from the show that could prove this theory true. In episode five, Cheryl actually has a nightmare that Jason is a zombie. Could it have been foreshadowing? She did mention taking him to the Greendale side of Sweetwater River - aka where Sabrina lives. Dilton Doiley's hardcore survivalist skills could be another possible clue. When Jughead confronts him about firing off on July 4, he coyly responds that his skills are needed because of "the way this town is going . . ." Does he know something we don't?
If we're being completely honest here, we hope this theory isn't true. Don't get us wrong, zombie shows are cool and all, but we are partial to the show's juicy plots and dramatic romances. Even though Riverdale has some striking similarities to supernatural shows like The Vampire Diaries and Twin Peaks, throwing undead walkers into the mix would be a bit much.
Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Take Their Bromance to Spain
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Norman Reedus are taking it all in as they tour Europe to promote The Walking Dead. On Thursday, the costars and real-life friends enjoyed the Las Fallas celebration as they visited Valencia, Spain. The two had a blast together as they whipped out their phones to take a few pictures (and selfies) from a balcony. While the future of their characters on the show is still uncertain, it seems like the pair isn't really bothered as they travel across the globe. Not only have they been adorably documenting their bromance on the trip on social media, but Jeffrey even snuck in a little one-on-one time with his love, Hilarie Burton, and their 7-year-old son, Augustus, during a beach day earlier this week.
Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Take Their Bromance to Spain
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Norman Reedus are taking it all in as they tour Europe to promote The Walking Dead. On Thursday, the costars and real-life friends enjoyed the Las Fallas celebration as they visited Valencia, Spain. The two had a blast together as they whipped out their phones to take a few pictures (and selfies) from a balcony. While the future of their characters on the show is still uncertain, it seems like the pair isn't really bothered as they travel across the globe. Not only have they been adorably documenting their bromance on the trip on social media, but Jeffrey even snuck in a little one-on-one time with his love, Hilarie Burton, and their 7-year-old son, Augustus, during a beach day earlier this week.
Is Bella Hadid Revealing 1 Item From Her Chrome Hearts Collection?
Bella Hadid may be giving us another sneak peek of her collection with Chrome Hearts, and we gotta say, it looks promising. The model was spotted in NYC wearing a red snapback hat with the collection's logo on the front, subtly stitched in the same hue of red on the front. Bella styled the hat in true '90s fashion with high-waist bootleg jeans, a cropped hoodie, and a striped t-shirt.
Scroll for more photos, and since her collection isn't available yet, we've found a couple of similar styles you can try in the meantime.
18 Game of Thrones Season 7 Theories to Read Until the Show Returns
Game of Thrones season six has come and gone, and we're stuck waiting a lot longer than before for more. While the most recent season left us with a lot of answers - including the truth about Jon Snow's parents - there are still a helluva lot of questions left to answer. Based on where each character left off in season six, we've got quite a few theories about how the show's seventh seasonal installment will play out.
Read on for our predictions (and hopes) for next season. There will be prophecies fulfilled, house alliances broken, and kill lists to complete . . . but, most importantly, Winter will be coming in full force.
You Need to Listen to Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers" If You've Ever Experienced Loss
Ed Sheeran released his first album in nearly three years, Divide, in early March, and we can't get enough. In addition to blessing us with hits like "Shape of You," "Galway Girl," and "Perfect," he also gave his fans an extraordinary gift with his song "Supermarket Flowers." The extremely emotional ballad is actually sung from his mother's point of view, who Ed explained lost her mother (his grandmother) while he was making the record.
The lyrics reflect the unimaginable loss he knew she must have been feeling (and still feel), and he wanted to honor his grandmother's memory by keeping it on the album. "That's the most special song on the record for me," the singer told DJ Zane Lowe during a radio interview. "My grandfather just turned to me [at the funeral], he was like you have to put that out, that has to go on the record. It's such a good memory, that's why it's ended up on there." For anyone who has experienced loss in their life, the song is beautifully therapeutic, capturing the big sadness felt by doing the smallest of things. Listen to it now above.
Little Girl Who Went Viral After Her Heart Transplant Passes Away
Update: We are saddened to learn that Jordan Blake, who went viral after receiving a new heart from a 7-month-old boy named Lukas in 2013, passed away on March 12. Last month, Jordan returned to Phoenix Children's Hospital, as doctors said her body was apparently rejecting the transplanted heart. The news of her passing was shared on the Jordan's Heart Facebook page by her aunt, Sarah: "She was a tough little girl who put up one hell of a fight, but the heart rejection was just too much for her. . . . Each minute is going to see like a million years without my angel!"
Original Story: Almost three years after her infant son, Lukas, died, Heather Clark heard his heart beat again - in 4-year-old Jordan Drake.
In 2013, 7-month-old Lukas passed away after being left with a trusted babysitter whose boyfriend abused the tot. Despite her grief, Heather decided to donate his organs to other needy children. She probably never thought she'd see them at work again. But this weekend, she did just that.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Jordan Drake had spent most of her life at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Then, on June 22, 2013, all of that changed when she received a new heart - Lukas's heart.
This weekend, the two families met for the first time - and Heather Clark heard her son's heart beat in Jordan's chest. "It's hard to describe . . . that she would be so selfless to be able to think of another family while she's going through her grief," Esther Gonzalez, Jordan's mother, told Fox 10 Phoenix. "We're family now. We're friends now. Our families are families. We've brought our families together."
The two mothers intend to get together on a regular basis, and a recording of Lukas's heartbeat has been placed inside a stuffed animal for Heather to hear whenever she wants. According to Heather, two other people's lives were saved using two more of Lukas's organs, too.
"The only thing I can think of is, I can't save my own son, so why not save someone else's child because I can't do anything with him," Heather said.
You're Going to Need a Bigger Bathtub, Because Lush's Spring Products Are Incredible
London's Tobacco Dock recently played host to the Lush Summit, an opportunity for Lush staff, hardcore fans, and press to come together to discover more about what goes on behind the scenes of the beloved British beauty brand. The Summit's main theme was activism, but among exhibits from the many causes and grassroots groups that the company supports, were a whole host of exclusive products, new launches, and exciting developments from the company. We saw gooey jelly bath bombs, exciting reformulations, brand new creations, and gifts for Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day.
While not everything we saw at the Summit will be hitting your local store, there's a lot to get excited about. Go behind the scenes now as we bring you all the new Spring launches for North America, plus a peek at what may be to come in the future, courtesy of those Summit exclusive treats. If you thought the Valentine's Day products were good, you ain't seen nothing yet!
You Haven't Truly Lived Until You've Bathed With This Rainbow Unicorn Soap
In case you've missed it (how?!), unicorns have utterly taken over the beauty world, and we're all about it. It started with unicorn-horn makeup brushes and iridescent lipstick, and now the mythical creature seems to be invading bath time, as there's a wealth of unicorn-themed bath bombs on the market. The latest addition to the plethora of mythical beauty goodies? Why, unicorn soap, of course.
EarthsRawBeauty, which specializes in all-natural homemade bath treats, quickly went viral for its recently launched colorful soaps. Crafted with skin-loving ingredients like goat milk, coconut oil, and shea butter, these unicorn soaps are scented with a tantalizing blend of berries, apples, peaches, and kumquat. Yum! If you needed any proof that unicorns are actually good for you and your skin, these soaps should do the trick.
The woman behind the company, Carmen Iclodean, first starting making her "Believe in Magic" soaps in the shape of an actual unicorn, complete with a rainbow mane and all. Then she tried experimenting with an equally as colorful bar version that includes a cute golden horn. Both soaps are pretty darn adorable - so adorable, in fact, that they quickly went out of stock. Bummer!
As of March 16, EarthsRawBeauty isn't accepting pre-orders, but while you patiently await the next stock to be ready, read on to see what these gorgeous soaps look like IRL.
You're Going to Need All 4 of Urban Decay's New Lip Kits
Earlier this year we lost our damn minds when we discovered MAC Cosmetics's genius lip kits, and now Urban Decay is following suit with an exclusive launch at Ulta Beauty: The Ultimate Pair.
For $22, you'll be able to choose from four different bundles of Vice lipstick and coordinating lip liners. While the offerings are limited, they are carefully (and perfectly!) curated. Of course, there are red and nude duos, but there's also a lustworthy metallic pink set and a wild-card vampy plum pairing. If you're familiar with Urban Decay's lip formulas, then you know these sets are a must-buy! Read on to see swatches of every shade in each set, then shop your favorites.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Is on the Way - but There's a Catch
Looking forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? What about the third movie? Yes, a third film is already on the way, according to director James Gunn. In an interview with Complex, Gunn spilled that Marvel definitely wants Guardians of the Galaxy 3, it's just a matter of who would be behind the camera:
"There will be a Guardians 3, that's for sure. We're trying to figure it out. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do really, that's all it is. I got to figure out where I want to be, what I want to spend the next three years of my life doing. You know, I'm going to make another big movie; is it the Guardians or something else? I'm just going to figure it out over the next couple of weeks."
This is good and bad news: yes, of course we want another Guardians. But Gunn is obviously the man who makes the magic! Chris Pratt and the cast are essential, but would a third movie maintain the same feel without the director who made the first two films? We'll have to wait and see.
Let Kendall Jenner Convince You to Wear Paperbag-Waist Trousers
Kendall Jenner was spotted out in Calabasas, CA, taking cues from Kate Middleton by getting the most mileage out of her wardrobe. The supermodel rewore her daytime lingerie top, but it was her bright yellow pants that caught our attention. So what exactly were her billowy bottoms called? Dubbed the paperbag-waist trousers, the style is popping up everywhere for Spring and Kendall's are from her Drop One collection with sister Kylie.
Fellow model and BFF Gigi Hadid also sported a similar pair, though hers were beige. While Gigi styled the pants with a gray long-sleeved crop top and brogues, Kendall showed us another interesting way to wear the unconventional pants with a full-on monochromatic look and oversize hoop earrings. Scroll on for more photos and looks you can shop.
How Long Do Raw and Hard-Boiled Eggs Keep?
The answer to this question may surprise you: while uncooked eggs typically last four to five weeks when properly refrigerated, hard-boiled eggs will only last about a week. This is because egg shells, which are highly porous, are sprayed before sale with a thin coating of mineral oil that seals the egg. Boiling the egg washes this coating away, however, leaving the shell susceptible to bacteria.
Baby's Life Is Ruined When She Realizes Mom Doesn't Have Boobs on Her Back
Breastfeeding isn't always easy, but one adorable baby realized that nursing is actually impossible - if you're on your mom's back, that is.
In a hilarious side-by-side photo posted to the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, one mom shared the most disappointing moment of her daughter's young life thus far. "I found this highly amusing of my daughter," the mom wrote. "We baby wear a lot and because she's almost a year old I figured we could try putting her on my back, as she's getting heavy. Well, she tried to latch on, on my back, and lost it when she realized there was no boob or milk back there."
Life is full of disappointments, kiddo. Welcome to the club.
13 Photos That Prove Malia Obama Is Slowly Morphing Into Michelle
It's a scary moment when you look down at your outfit only to realize, wait - wait a minute - you're dressed just like your mom. But if said mom happens to be Michelle Obama, fashion icon to women everywhere, it's not such a raw deal. In fact, that's something her daughter Malia should truly take as a compliment, as comparisons between the two ladies have flooded the Internet.
And after browsing through pics of the 18-year-old ourselves, it's increasingly obvious: Michelle's chic and ladylike fashion sense has definitely rubbed off on the eldest Obama child. Take a look at how many times Malia proved she got it from her mama, and hope that these two start sharing clothes sometime in the near future.
Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" Suddenly Sounds Sexier When You Watch This Dance Routine
Ed Sheeran released his single "Shape of You" last month, and while we love the song a lot, "let's dance to this" was not exactly a thought that crossed our minds - until now. Choreographer Kyle Hanagami shared a video to YouTube recently showing a group of dancers performing an upbeat, sexy routine to the song, and it might change the way you listen to it from now on. Watch the video above now, then see the song's official music video.
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