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.
lundi 3 juillet 2017
90+ Products to Give You the Best Eyebrows of Your Life
You can't deny it: Eyebrows are having a major beauty moment. Stars like Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins, and Camilla Belle are sources of brow envy, and the sparsely arched among us can only hope to achieve their bold looks through a few makeup tricks. But how do you figure out which product to use? We've broken down six different kinds of eyebrow fillers, then rounded up the best of each so you can get the brows you dream of - nay, deserve.
Jump to:
[Clear Brow Waxes or Gels] [Brow Tints] [Brow Markers] [Brow Pencils] [Brow Powders] [Brow Creams]
14 Times Joan Smalls Was the Workout Buddy of Our Dreams
We're calling it: Joan Smalls might be one of the fittest models out there. The Puerto Rican beauty - and Puma rep - maintains her svelte figure with an impressively dynamic workout routine that's pretty well-documented on her Instagram - much to the delight of her near two million followers.
From her high-intensity kickboxing sessions to low-key bike rides through Brooklyn, NY, Joan is pretty much our dream workout buddy - aside from, of course, Jennifer Lopez, who would swiftly kick our butts into shape. Look ahead for all the sweat-inducing proof you need.
Maria Menounos Diagnosed With Brain Tumor as Her Mom Battles Stage 4 Brain Cancer
Maria Menounos is stepping down from E! News amid her battle with a brain tumor. During an interview with People, the anchor revealed that she underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove a brain tumor the size of a golf ball earlier this June. "I didn't cry. I actually laughed," she said of the moment she was diagnosed. "At that point it was like, 'This is a joke.'"
Though the tumor, a benign meningioma, was successfully removed, she has decided to take a leave of absence to focus on her health and be with her mother, Litsa Menounos, who is currently fighting stage 4 brain cancer. "I am so grateful for the past three years at E!," she said in a statement. "I will truly miss everyone and looking forward to this next chapter in my life."
Maria, who is currently recovering at home with with the support of her fiancé, Keven Undergaro, adds that she hopes sharing her story will inspire others. "My perspective on life is completely different now," she continued. "I feel like I have to find my real purpose. This was a blessing. A lot of beautiful things have come from this. I saw all of this as a gift from the beginning. I tell people all the time if your car is making a weird noise, you take it to the mechanic. How come when our body is making weird noises, we ignore it? I'm so lucky that I went to the doctor and raised the alarm. Who knows what could have happened?"
The Dress Code at Princess Maria Olympia's 21st Birthday Will Blow Your Mind
For Princess Olympia of Greece's 21st birthday celebration, she teamed up with her mom Marie-Chantal and threw a party at The Costswolds in the UK. Marie-Chantal turned 50, so naturally, the event's hashtag was "#5021revolution", and the dress code instructed guests to "revolutionize" their black tie.
Princess Olympia chose a glittering Steven Khalil bodysuit for the occasion, which came equipped with a long, sheer champagne train and the fashion maven stood tall in rainbow Gucci platforms. Headpieces and fascinators from the likes of Philip Treacy were in abundance, and there was no limit to the ornamentation on anyone's outfit. Read on for a glimpse into the royal family's memorable evening.
19 Breezy Outfits For When the Weather Is Just Too Hot to Handle
When the temperature outside has reached the high 90s, all you want to do is change into a swimsuit and head to the beach. Unfortunately, we can't always get our way which means we end up spending hours rifling through our closets trying to find an outfit that will help make the heat feel a teensy bit more bearable.
Rather than changing into the usual combination of cutoffs and a cotton tee, why not try something a little different this season? Ahead, we've turned to your favorite bloggers to gather some much-needed outfit inspiration to combat the Summer's sweltering heat. Scroll on to see their looks and shop similar pieces too.
Study Shows That Moms Who Give Birth in Their 30s Are Twice As Likely to Live Longer
Many women who have babies "later" in life worry that their mature age will mean they will have less time with their children. It makes sense - the longer you wait, the less time you have in the end, right? But according to a new study, this isn't actually the case.
The Long Life Family Study found that women who had their last child after 33 years old not only lived the longest when compared to moms who give birth at younger ages, but they also had double the chance of being in the last 5 percent of their birth cohorts. "Several studies have found that late maternal age at last childbirth is positively associated with maternal longevity," said Dr. Nicole Schupf, professor at Columbia University Medical Center. This study used information from that research and discovered a connection between the length of a woman's telomeres and the age in which she is able to still have a baby. Telomeres are the part of the cell that impacts how it ages and longer telomeres were found to be associated with being able to have children at an older age as well as increased longevity.
"This finding suggests that late maternal age at last child birth is a marker for rate of aging and, if heritable, might be associated with genetic variants playing a role in exceptional survival," Nicole said.
The study, which was published by The North American Menopause Society, looked at 386 women in the United States and Denmark who were all over 70 years old. "Compared with women who had their last child by the age of 29, women with a later age at birth of their last child -34 to 37 or over 38 - were found to have increased odds of being in the longest tertile of telomere length versus the shortest tertile of telomere length," Nicole said. "The strength of the association with the longest telomere length increased as the maternal age at birth of last child became later in life."
Although further research is needed on other influences that impact when women stop having children, this is good news for those who waited until they were at least in their 30s to complete their families.
Every Reese's Fan Needs These Chocolate Peanut Butter Twinkies!
Calling all Reese's and Twinkies fans! Hostess has debuted the dessert of your dreams: Chocolate Peanut Butter Twinkies, which are chocolate cake Twinkies filled with peanut butter cream filling. Available on grocery store shelves now, this new snack is similar to Hostess's other new chocolate products but is even better because, well, peanut butter makes everything better.
"With Chocolate Peanut Butter Twinkies, we have paired America's favorite flavor combination with America's most beloved snack cake," Burke Raine, Hostess Brands senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "This peanut butter-filled treat comes on the heels of our recent introduction of Hostess Chocolate Cake Twinkies and is another prime example of our efforts to embrace consumer flavor trends."
Excuse us while we put our Reese's aside for a second and stock up on these instead!
This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes
We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.
The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.
If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.
6 Women Who Have Danced Their Way Into Ryan Gosling's Heart
Ryan Gosling is notoriously private about his love life. The 36-year-old actor is currently dating actress Eva Mendes, but long before Eva, there were five other lucky women who were linked to the charming La La Land star. After doing some (very important) investigating, we discovered one fun fact about Ryan that you probably never noticed: his go-to place on dates is to Disneyland! That's not the only thing that surprised us, though. Keep reading to discover which women may (or may not) have dated your longtime man crush.
Did the Queen Just Royally Snub Donald Trump? All Signs Point to Yes
It looks like President Donald Trump might not receive a warm welcome from Great Britain. In a speech to Parliament on June 21, Queen Elizabeth II didn't mention Trump's scheduled, upcoming visit later this year . . . but she did mention the Spanish royal family's visit in July. Considering Trump's insensitive tweets after the London terror attack on June 3, the queen's omission isn't entirely surprising.
In her speech, the queen said she and her husband will welcome the Spanish royal family next month - and that's it. British Prime Minister Theresa May first invited Trump to the country on Jan. 27, which Trump accepted. However, since then, Trump's dropped the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement and critiqued London Mayor Sadiq Khan for his response to the London attack. Even May chastised Trump for his comments, stating, "I think Donald Trump was wrong in the things he has said about Sadiq Khan . . . We have been working with Sadiq Khan - party politics are put to one side - we work together." Khan has also said Trump's visit should be canceled. "I don't think we should roll out the red carpet to the president of the USA in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for," Khan said to Channel 4 News.
Trump's visit was first postponed in February. The president then reportedly told May in June that he didn't want to visit unless protests were scrapped and British citizens supported his visit.
Oreo O's Return to Store Shelves After 10 Long Years!
Oreo O's haven't been on store shelves since 2007, but they're finally making a comeback! The iconic cookies and cream cereal from the '90s will hit store shelves again in June, a whole 10 years later. Originally launched in 1998 (with the throwback commercial to prove it), Oreo O's were hands down one of the best cereals for kids (and let's be honest, adults) in the early 2000s. The miniature, Oreo-flavored chocolate cereal will make a much-appreciated return, and it promises to be just as delicious as you remember.
A spokesperson said in a statement, "Fans of the iconic OREO O's cereal will find the product has stayed true to its roots, with OREO cookie bits and a crème coating combined to make the chocolaty, crunchy O's that can be enjoyed in a bowl with milk, or straight out of the box." Starting on June 23, Oreo O's will be sold exclusively at Walmart for three months. After that, they'll be sold at even more grocery stores for the foreseeable future. Commence the freak-out as you discover it for yourself in the cereal aisle, and prepare to stock up!
Dunkin' Donuts Mocha Oreos Combine Two of the Best Flavors EVER
We've long awaited a taste of Dunkin' Donuts Mocha Oreos, and they're finally here! Available on store shelves nationwide starting on July 3, this inventive cookie flavor combines two of the best things ever: Oreos and Dunkin' Donuts coffee. With two well-loved brands behind this grocery store snack, our taste testers' expectations were understandably high. Would the beloved flavor of Dunkin' Donuts coffee really come through without overpowering the original flavor of the Oreo cookie? Here's a breakdown of how this creation really tastes.
First things first: this is definitely a chocolate-lover's cookie. The crunchy chocolate Oreo cookie plus the mocha-inspired filling means cocoa overload, and in a good way. Strong-coffee aficionados will not be disappointed by the level of coffee flavoring in this creme filling, either. It's more than apparent, and the bitter kick of espresso is especially prevalent when you lick the icing on its own (and isn't that the best way to eat an Oreo anyway?). It's safe to say this cookie collaboration has met our resident experts' expectations, and we're already calling the fact that this will be one of the best Oreo flavors of 2017. Read on for a list of reviewers' comments straight from the self-proclaimed Oreo experts themselves (aka POPSUGAR editors), and prepare to grab a package of these ASAP.
- "The chocolate cookie mellows out the strong espresso flavor."
- "I like the extra chocolate flavor in the filling; it really does taste like a mocha."
- "I couldn't eat more than a couple because they're so rich, but so good!"
- "The coffee flavor kind of comes afterward, which I like."
- "Not artificial tasting and love the burst of coffee."
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!
The Way Matt Damon Met His Wife Will Give You an Excuse to Keep Bar Hopping
With celebrity breakups happening left and right these days, it's easy to get down about lasting love, but not every Hollywood romance is doomed to fail. Case in point: Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso. While the way these two first got together isn't exactly glamorous, it is perfect for a meet-cute in a movie. The actor opened up about their chance encounter during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2011, saying he first saw her while out at a bar. After agreeing to star in the Farrelly brothers comedy Stuck on You in 2003, shooting began in Miami. "We were supposed to shoot in Hawaii, and then the movie got moved to Miami. . . . I had never really hung out in Miami," he said.
One night during production, a few crew members dragged Matt out to the bars after he insisted he didn't want to go. And as fate would have it, Luciana was working as the bartender in one of them. "I literally saw her across a crowded room, literally," he continued. "Eight years and four kids later, that's my life. I don't know how else our paths would've crossed if that didn't happen. If all those things didn't happen." Now, excuse us while we bar-hop all weekend long.
How to Turn Anyone Into an "Instagram Boyfriend"
I'm a visual person and I always have been. I learn visually and make memories visually, so while you can joke that I'm a typical millennial who can't live in the moment or without my phone, it's probably true and I have an Instagram feed full of beautiful memories to show for it.
I'm all for a vacation with minimal phone service and an itinerary full of hiking and nature, but let's be real, I'm still coming back with an album's worth of photos that I'll cherish forever to remember the exact moment I asked a stranger, "Can you take my photo? Great. This is EXACTLY how I want it to look."
Thus my concern when heading off on a 10-day trek with my significant other. Before we even left the States, I warned him that I'd be asking him to take my picture a lot. And while he assured me that he'd taken photography classes in college, I wasn't convinced that he knew what he was getting himself into.
So, I took it upon myself to use our six-hour flight as the perfect crash course to turn my seemingly average boyfriend into the mythical Instagram boyfriend. *cue spotlights and angel choir* There are five very important things an Instagram boyfriend looks for when taking your photo: good lighting, a clean and nondistracting background, a flattering angle, an eye for any awkward poses, and the capacity to fit your whole outfit into the shot (major key).
Former Obama White House Press Secretary Doesn't Have an Inkling of Sympathy For Sean Spicer
No job at the White House is expected to be easy - and the press secretary role is no different. Josh Earnest, former press secretary to President Barack Obama, knows this all too well. That's why he's not giving present Press Secretary Sean Spicer any passes. During an interview with CNN's Brian Stelter on April 24, Earnest said that he doesn't "feel a ton of sympathy" for Spicer, because he was well aware of Donald Trump's leadership style from his experience on the campaign.
Spicer has repeatedly come under fire for his wildly inaccurate attempts to spin stories and for hawking downright lies. But, as Earnest points out, it's simply the nature of working for someone as mercurial as President Trump. Attempting to differentiate between his job and Spicer's, Earnest explained that the president sets the tone for how a secretary interacts with the press.
"Sean's job is different because he works for somebody who is famously thin-skinned and somebody who has demonstrated over and over again that he doesn't care that much about telling the truth," Earnest said to Selter. "And who, at least in some of his record, doesn't appear to have much of an appreciation for how important independent journalism is in the success to our democracy. That's what makes our approaches so different."
Later in the interview, Earnest explained why he does not sympathize with Spicer as he encounters an onslaught of criticism. "Sean's not the victim of a bait and switch. It's not like he met President Trump on his first day," Earnest said. "It's not as if Sean met President Trump on Sean's first day of the White House. Sean worked for the Trump campaign and the RNC and the transition. He knew what he was getting into."
Earnest did, however, concede that he does view anonymous leaked criticism of Spicer as unbeneficial for the entire administration's effort to push their policies. "The job of being the White House press secretary is hard enough without having people that are supposed to be on your team criticizing you and undermining you in public," Earnest added.
Despite Spicer's ever-growing list of gaffes and failures, Trump has refused to fire him. According to The Washington Post, Trump is not inclined to replace Spicer because he gets "great ratings" and everyone "tunes in."
This wouldn't be the first time Trump has prioritized TV viewership over ethics.
30 Southwestern Recipes to Satisfy a Hankering For Ranch Living
Southwestern food is a fusion cuisine, combining rancher staples (i.e. beef and cheese) with spices and produce native to the Americas like chili peppers, corn, and tomatoes. It's rustic, hearty comfort food at its spiciest. Beef chili, chicken enchiladas, and nachos are just a few staple items you'll find in this category that make for standby meals you'll turn to again and again.
- Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
8 At-Home Remedies Your Grandma Swears by That Actually Work
Readers, it's time to thank your grandma. Those crazy Latin at-home remedies she showered on you when you were under the weather might have actually worked. In fact, Dr. Keith Roach, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, says that even the rituals that don't have any scientific backing could work - just because you believe in them. "The placebo effect is powerful," he said.
While there are certain Latin cures the doctor advises you should skip when you're sick (like anything involving raw egg, which can carry salmonella, or a shot of alcohol, which can actually be dangerous to your liver during certain illnesses), he weighed in on why some of the most popular get-better-soon treatments that your grandma used actually, truly work. Keep reading to find the list, then check out the family beauty treatments that you should be trying.
19 Snaps That Serve Up Ultimate Outfit Inspiration For Your Next Vacation
If you're counting down the days until you jet off to an island and can't wait to whip out that suitcase, we've rounded up the most gorgeous - and smartest! - outfit inspiration from our favorite fashion influencers, saving you any trouble you might encounter when packing.
As for those shrugging off the thought of a luxurious vacation? Don't turn away just yet. You might not have a getaway in the works, but that doesn't mean a few of these stylish shots won't help you pack your bag the next time you do. Plus, who doesn't love to take a virtual trip through colorful, culture-filled snaps?
Whether you're more of a beach gal or a bohemian queen who loves the heat of the desert, there's a location here that'll totally charm you and speak to your fashion-loving soul. Read on for 11 different locales that invite you to transform your look or at least try out a new silhouette, even if it's just on the streets of your hometown.
The New, "Fun" Pregnancy Trend That Could Risk Your Unborn Baby's Life
One of the latest pregnancy trends - at-home, do-it-yourself fetal heart-rate monitoring - might seem like an alluring proposition for millennial moms-to-be who are looking for a way to connect with their baby and take a more hands-on approach to their prenatal care. With more and more companies selling personal fetal dopplers, there's no harm in using one, right?
In practice, however, these at-home dopplers - often billed as a helpful safety measure - could cause you to legitimately put your unborn baby's life at risk.
"Midwives and doctors train for many years to interpret what they hear through a doppler," wrote Elizabeth Hutton, CEO of stillbirth charity Kicks Count, in a petition to ban the sale of over-the-counter dopplers in the United Kingdom. "It is a medical device, not an object to be used for entertainment."
What Hutton has discovered is that "while progress is being made" to reduce the number of stillbirths by raising awareness of "baby's movements in determining fetal well-being," efforts are being hampered by the increased use of home dopplers, now widely available on the consumer market.
No matter how they are operated, the mere use of these gadgets can cause harm to the fetus. Here's how:
If the mother doesn't hear a heartbeat, she might assume something is wrong when it's not.
Unnecessary anxiety is a common culprit. Hutton wrote: "It can cause needless stress to a pregnant woman when she cannot pick up her baby's heartbeat. It can lead to raised blood pressure in the mother and premature births."
If the mother hears a heartbeat, she might assume everything is OK when it's not.
This is by far more worrying. "The placenta and the mother's heartbeat can both easily be mistaken for a fetal heartbeat. In untrained hands, it is more likely that blood flow through the placenta or the maternal aorta will be heard," Hutton noted. "We've had cases where there has been something wrong with a baby and the mother has been wrongly reassured after hearing her own heartbeat, or the sound of blood pumping through the placenta, leading to a dangerous delay in her seeking medical attention. In at least one instance, sadly the baby died."
Moreover, if parents notice a change in their baby's movements but find a heartbeat, they may not take further action or even call their doctor for a second opinion.
"The presence of a heartbeat does not mean the baby is well, only that it is still alive," Hutton warned. "If the baby is in distress, this is when medical attention should be sought. Waiting until they can no longer find a heartbeat means it is sadly too late to save that baby."
To hit home the point, she shared one recent incident in which a 27-year-old was admitted to the hospital due to reduced fetal movement in her 32nd week of her first pregnancy:
The unnamed woman told doctors that she had first noticed her baby had become less active two days previously but had been reassured that all was well after using her own doppler to listen to its heartbeat. However, concerned by a lack of movement during monitoring, doctors performed an emergency Caesarean later that evening. The baby was so unwell it spent its first eight weeks on the special care unit.
"If you saw someone collapsed in the street, would you check they had a heartbeat and walk away? Or would you call an ambulance?" she asked. "We should be encouraging all mothers if they are concerned about their baby to contact medical professionals immediately, not just check for a heartbeat."
To Hutton, whose petition has more than 8,000 of the necessary 10,000 signatures, fetal diagnostic testing is strictly a medical procedure and should not be seen as something "fun" when it puts lives at risk.
Hutton concluded: "We need to put the safety of babies ahead of entertainment."
Gigi and Bella Hadid Are Devoted to These Sunglasses Brands
While sister duo Gigi and Bella Hadid keep their Smoke x Mirrors and Krewe shades on heavy rotation throughout the Summer, you might not be totally familiar with these brands. Maybe you assumed Karl Lagerfeld gifted the supermodels the latest Chanel pair.
Well zoom in on the details, ladies, because some of your favorite street style stars favor shades by little-known companies you're bound to fall for. Be sure to check out the unique finishes, shapes, and rims on all of the ahead designs, all of which are worth the splurge when you consider how elevated and striking this assortment of eyewear really is.
15 Nontraditional Wedding Outfits Fashion Girls Will Envy
You don't always need to have an opulent statement dress on your big day, but if you're having a more understated, low-key wedding, there's no reason you have to give up looking fashionable. There are many ways to be an on-trend bride while maintaining a simple look. Whether you're having a courthouse wedding or just a no-fuss ceremony, these modern-day looks make it easy to bow out of the traditional gown. The best part: these picks can even be reworn long after your wedding is over.
Kristen Stewart's New Frosted Tips Will Have You Singing "I Want It That Way"
No matter the month, when I look at Kristen Stewart's new hair, it feels like it's gonna be May. For the past month, the actress - who made bleached buzz cuts a thing back in March - has been seen everywhere from Paris to LA sporting a decidedly new 'do. Kristen's Pinterest style board (a thing I just made up but now need to see) must be filled with images of Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass, because she has frosted tips now.
My real hope is that Stewart just got cast in a JT biopic and this is all for the role. The actual explanation is that her brunette roots are growing out, which gives the optical illusion of frosted tips. It's an unexpected but pretty damn chic way to transition out of a buzz cut. And since she's one of the only mainstream stars to have made such a drastic chop, we're so excited to see how her grow-out process works.
So if you're bold enough to follow suit, take note that you'll probably look like Nick Carter for a bit when the bleach starts to fade. But since we seem to be living through the second coming of frosted tips, it seems as if Backstreet's back. All right!
7 Times Trump Proved He Knows Nothing About History
During an interview with SiriusXM, President Donald Trump demonstrated, once again, that he lacks a basic understanding of American history by suggesting former President Andrew Jackson could've stopped the Civil War had he been the president at the time.
"I mean, had Andrew Jackson been a little later, you wouldn't have had the Civil War. He was a very tough person, but he had a big heart," Trump claimed. "And he was really angry that . . . he saw what was happening with regard to the Civil War. He said, 'There's no reason for this.'"
Trump followed with another bizarre assertion. "People don't realize, you know, the Civil War - if you think about it, why," Trump wondered. "People don't ask that question, but why was there the Civil War? Why could that one not have been worked out?"
There's only one problem with Trump's postulation: Jackson died a decade before the Civil War started, so he couldn't have had an opinion on the crisis. Perhaps even less shocking than Trump's erroneous contention about Jackson is Trump's constant and consistent misunderstanding of history. Prepare to shake your head at six other times Trump proved he knows very little about the country he is supposed to run, nor much about countries he is supposed to liaise with.
1. When he seemed to think Frederick Douglass was alive.
During Trump's speech honoring Black History Month on Feb. 1, he suggested that the abolitionist was still alive. Trump described Douglass as "someone who has done a terrific job that is being recognized by more and more people." His comments were ridiculed across social media.
2. When he appeared to forget that Richard Nixon resigned because he broke the law.
In an interview on April 2 with The Washington Post's Bob Woodward, who broke the Watergate story that led to Nixon's impeachment, Trump implied that Nixon failed because of his personality. Woodward asked Trump why he thought Lincoln succeeded and Nixon didn't. Trump blamed Nixon's temperament.
"Nixon failed, I think to a certain extent, because of his personality," Trump told Woodward. "It was just that personality. Very severe, very exclusive. In other words, people couldn't come in. And people didn't like him. I mean, people didn't like him."
Given that Woodward published the story which led to Nixon's resignation, Trump's error is fairly astounding - and Woodward had to remind Trump that Nixon was a criminal. "And he broke the law," Woodward added.
Trump's response is hesitant, but he acknowledged Nixon's crimes. "And he broke the law, yeah. Yeah. He broke the law. Whether that's insecurity . . ." said Trump.
3. When he didn't realize that the Republican party used to be called "The Party of Lincoln."
At a rally in Louisville, KY, on March 20, Trump apparently did not realize the Republican party is often referred to as Lincoln's party. "Great president. Most people don't even know he was a Republican," Trump said. "Does anyone know? Lot of people don't know that."
4. When he confused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with his grandfather, Kim Jong Il.
While being interviewed on Fox & Friends about North Korean aggression on April 18, Trump conflated current leader Kim Jong Un with his predecessor and grandfather Kim Jong Il.
"They've been talking with this gentleman for a long time," Trump said of America's dialogue with North Korea. "You read Clinton's book, he said, 'Oh, we made such a great peace deal,' and it was a joke." Later, Trump continued to assert his misunderstanding. "Everybody has been outplayed, they've all been outplayed by this gentleman, and we'll see what happens," Trump added with reference to Obama's negotiations.
Trump was evidently unaware that Kim Jong Un has only been in power since 2011 - after the death of his grandfather. So, both Clinton and Obama have deliberated with both leaders - not just one "gentleman" as Trump insinuates.
5. When he said that North Korea used to be a part of China.
Following Trump's meeting with the President of China Xi Jinping, Trump revealed yet another misunderstanding of global history on April 12. Describing his meeting with Xi and their discussion of North Korea, Trump asserted that North Korea was once a part of China. Not only was he wrong, Trump implied that Xi delivered this information. Koreans were outraged by Trump's comments.
6. When the administration failed to mention Jews specifically in its statement for Holocaust Memorial Day
On January 27, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the White House released a particularly tone-deaf statement. While it acknowledged "the victims, survivors, heroes" of the Holocaust, the White House's release did not specifically recognize the six million Jews who died. Many Americans took the administration's omission as an act of anti-Semitism.
You've Been Carrying Your Baby's Car Seat Wrong the Whole Time
One of the most universal pain points of parenting is carrying a baby car seat. There's just no way to do it that isn't awkward or uncomfortable.
Dr. Emily Puente of Bridge Family Chiropractic, however, just revealed a genius way to carry them, pain-free.
"It's not going to hurt your shoulder, it's not going to hurt your hip, and you're not going to have to use your knee to swing like I had to do with my two [kids]," she said of the technique before demonstrating it in a Facebook video. "Someone taught me this before, and it's been the greatest thing."
The traditional way people carry car seats puts undue strain on the body because it doesn't distribute the weight evenly across the body. Her go-to maneuver looks almost too good to be true: "I will guarantee you this is going to be easier for you to carry."
Still, in her post, the chiropractor recognizes that "due to so many different makes and models of car seats, it is likely that this method won't work for all seats."
Here's hoping it works with yours!
I Added These 4 Things to My Salad and Now I'm Not Hungry Till Dinner
I was feeling proud of being so prepared, making five mason jar salads on Sunday, but as soon as I finished my last forkful of veggies at lunch on Monday, I was starving an hour later. Then I'd end up eating a huge snack that was as big as a second lunch. No wonder I wasn't losing weight!
A jar full of carrots, peppers, celery, and baby kale just doesn't cut it. Even though I added beans to my salad for protein, I realized I needed healthy fats and carbs to satiate me for the afternoon. I started adding these four toppings to my salads, and now I'm full and happy until dinner:
1/4 cup whole grains (like quinoa): 56 calories, 9.9 grams carbs, 1.3 grams fiber, 2 grams protein
1/4 avocado: 57 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, 2.3 grams fiber, .7 grams protein
1/4 cup fruit (like 3 strawberries): 12 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, .8 grams fiber, .3 grams protein
1 tablespoon nuts (like salted sunflower seeds): 46 calories, 1.9 grams carbs, .7 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein
The quinoa makes it feel like more of a meal, the avocado adds a creaminess that makes my salad more delicious, the sunflower seeds add a wonderful crunchy texture, and the fruit adds just enough sweetness that I don't crave a treat after lunch.
Jada Pinkett Smith Was "Too Short" to Play Will's Girlfriend - so She Married Him Instead
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are coming up on 20 years of marriage, but it's the story of how they met that should be celebrated for how ironic it is. The couple was first introduced in 1994 on the set of Will's hit show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jada, who was just getting her start with small roles on shows like True Colors, A Different World, and 21 Jump Street, auditioned for the role of his character's girlfriend, Lisa Wilkes. At 5'0", Jada was considered "too short" for the part (Will is 6'2"), and the role ended up going to actress Nia Long. Despite the height difference, Will and Jada became friends anyway and started dating in 1995.
Of the funny start to their relationship, Jada has said, "I think if I had done it, we would not be married today. Because you have to meet people at a time that you're ready. Neither one of us were ready at that time." Things have managed to work out pretty well for Will and Jada; they tied the knot on New Years Eve in 1997, welcomed two kids together, and have amassed a giant fortune. And though Jada's height hasn't changed, her love for her other half has only gotten bigger.
5 Notable "Heirs and Spares" in the British Royal Family
Not only does the adorable Princess Charlotte have the the most adorable uncle ever in Prince Harry, but on a deeper level, she also has someone who will always understand what it feels like to play backup to an older sibling who will one day be king. The royal family has always been keen to produce a "spare" to the heir so that if - heaven forbid - anything should happen to the elder sibling, the future of the monarchy can continue with the younger.
This has been the case with some incredibly notable monarchs - Henry VIII was actually the "spare" - but in modern times it has thankfully been less necessary, and so the younger sibling nudges further down the line of succession with every niece and nephew born. However the nature of a "spare" can create all sorts of issues; they are a vital cog in the royal machine as they grow up, but as soon as the the elder sibling starts having children of their own, their official role becomes less defined, with (as we have seen in the last five generations of the royal family) very mixed results.
How Tall Is Prince William?
We've seen Prince William go from tiny royal to teen heartthrob to doting dad of two, but one thing we've always wondered is: how tall is he? In the event that you've been curious about it, too, we've tracked down the answer. The Duke of Cambridge is 6'3", which is probably more like seven feet when he's wearing that fanciful top hat.
For comparison, his younger brother Harry is 6'2" while their dad, Charles, is 5'10"; their grandfather, Prince Philip, is 6'0"; and their mother, Princess Diana, was 5'10". And though he may be the tallest member of the royal family, he doesn't tower too much over his wife, Kate Middleton, who is 5'9".
How Well Do The Queen and Camilla Actually Get Along?
Prince Charles's wife has been known in three different incarnations. As a young woman she was Camilla Shand, the popular debutante girlfriend of the 23-year-old prince, who went on to marry her ex-boyfriend Andrew Parker-Bowles. She was Camilla Parker-Bowles for 32 years, a wife and mother, and later the reviled mistress of her former beau Prince Charles. Now, for the past 12 years, she has been The Duchess of Cornwall; married at last to her prince, she has become a valued and well-loved member of the royal family. But how has her relationship with the queen changed over the years?
As a young woman, she had a warm relationship with the queen. Camilla's husband Andrew was the Queen Mother's godson, and the couple were often guests at Buckingham Palace. However, when Camilla and Charles started their affair and the queen heard about it, she was said to believe the way they had gone about it was irresponsible, and Camilla was banned from the palace. After Charles and Diana separated in 1992, the prince and Camilla were discreet in the continuation of their relationship, but with encouragement from the queen in 1997 they were about to go public - when Diana tragically died.
Over the next few years, as the family mended and focused on the future, Charles and Camilla quietly continued their romance. The queen believed they should go public rather than it seeming like they were hiding away, so they formalized their relationship by attending Camilla's sister's 50th birthday party together in 1999. Three years later, relations between the two women continued to improve as the queen included Camilla in her Golden Jubilee celebrations, and she then gave Charles and Camilla permission to marry in 2005. At their wedding reception she gave a warm and fond speech where she said, "My son is home and dry with the woman he loves."
In the 12 years since then, it has become clear that the queen values Camilla as a good match for her son and as a stable, resilient, and well-liked member of the family. As always, when it comes to the queen, actions speak louder than words - and there was no stronger show of her feelings toward her daughter-in-law than when she asked Camilla to sit beside her in her carriage at the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The queen has also awarded Camilla two important honors: The Royal Family Order and the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order, both of which symbolize a very personal seal of approval from Her Majesty.
5 Reasons I'm Planning a Wedding in Latin America
When my fiancé and I got engaged, it was pretty easy to make the decision to have our wedding in his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. I've never been one to dream about a big wedding, and if we were going to have a party at all, I knew I wanted it to be as low-key and low-cost as possible. Monterrey also made the most sense because most of my fiancé's family is there, while all of my family is scattered between Peru and the United States. But there are several other reasons Latin America is a great place to get married, and why you might want to consider having your wedding there.
It costs significantly less than it would in the States.
My fiancé and I nearly danced with glee upon hearing the price of our reception venue; it is roughly 20 percent of what a similar venue would cost in Houston, TX, (where we live) or another major US city. And bonus: the cost actually includes what would normally be additional fees here, such as catering, décor, and cake. Saving this much money will also allow us to plan a great honeymoon.
Travel costs for guests will be relatively inexpensive.
Since anyone on my side of the family would have to travel no matter what, I was very aware of travel costs from the beginning. Flights to Latin American cities, like Monterrey, are about the same as they would be for any of our guests to travel to a major city in the US (like Houston, TX), and once they arrive, hotel accommodations are much cheaper. You save, they save.
Everyone we've encountered has supported our decision to keep the wedding to family only.
Maybe that's because we both have large families and that's already nearing 100 invited guests, or maybe it's because people understand you can't invite every single friend to a destination wedding, but whatever the case, we're glad we haven't been pressured to invite anyone and everyone.
It's easy for us to travel back and forth during planning.
If you choose a city close by, you'll have the same experience. Monterrey is only an hour-long flight from Houston, so we will easily be able to travel there at least a couple of times before the big day to choose flowers and find a makeup artist, among other tasks. And for the times we might not be able to make the trip, one of my fiancé's local family members can easily fill in. Other cities to consider with short flights from the States: Cancún in Mexico, Cali in Colombia, Panama City in Panama, Rincón in Puerto Rico, and Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica.
We have padrinos eager and willing to help us with some of the cost.
People have balked at the fact that we're not planning to have a registry for gifts. But the truth is, that's an American tradition and our wedding is not being hosted in the US. Not only that, but we have plenty of "stuff" already. I love the idea of having someone contribute to the wedding (in the form of covering the church, rings, or cake, for example) in lieu of a tangible gift. Not only is it a Latin American tradition, but it also adds to the lasting memories the day will hold.
17 Times Serena Williams Showed Off Her Powerhouse Body in a Bikini
Serena Williams is currently expecting her first child with fiancé Alexis Ohanian, but her pregnancy hasn't stopped her from, well, anything. She completely owned the Australian Open while in the early weeks, hit the red carpet at the Met Gala, and posed nude on the cover of Vanity Fair. In her accompanying interview, she also confirmed that her career is only going to continue to heat up, saying, "I don't think my story is over yet."
We're not going to pretend as if Serena's body is more important than her tennis prowess, but it is still incredibly impressive. The fact is, Serena Williams doesn't have a "best feature" - her entire body is immaculate, engineered to dominate and kick ass no matter the circumstances. She isn't shy about showing off her curves and muscles in sexy two-pieces (why would she be?), and we can't wait to see her putting her growing bump on display in more swimsuits this Summer.
The 1 Adorable Thing Robert Downey Jr. and His Wife Always Do on the Red Carpet
Robert Downey Jr. has been one of our biggest Hollywood crushes since the '80s, and his wife, producer Susan Levin, obviously agrees. The two first met on the set of Gothika in 2003, shortly after Robert split from then-wife Deborah Falconer. Even though Susan turned down his advances twice, they eventually struck up a romance when he asked her out for a third time, and they continued dating after production wrapped. He proposed on the night before her 30th birthday, and they tied the knot in New York in August 2005.
Aside from being loving parents to son Exton and daughter Avri, Robert also credits his wife for helping him get sober after a long struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Not only have they supported each other off screen, but they have also worked together on movies like Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man 2. They even have their own production house called Team Downey. Over the course of their relationship, the two have made tons of cute appearances together, but there is one thing Robert always does to show his love: he gives Susan a sweet kiss on the head. See some of their best PDA moments below.
15 Stars Who Had Their First Kisses on Screen
Having your first kiss is awkward enough, but having your first kiss with a whole crew standing around you is even more uncomfortable. For some actors, this experience is all too familiar. Stars like Josh Hutcherson and Selena Gomez have had their first kisses in front of an audience of people. We looked into stars who locked lips for the first time while working on set . . . turns out there are quite a few. Take a look!
65 Snaps That Prove Ashley Graham Is Ridiculously Sexy
Model Ashley Graham made headlines thanks to prime placement in 2016's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The size-14 stunner's ad campaign for swimsuit retailer SwimsuitsForAll was also the first-ever plus-size swimsuit ad to run in the annual issue in 2015. Ashley has been a working model since the early 2000s and has become something of an advocate for introducing more plus-size models in the fashion industry and promoting body-positivity in general. Back in May 2016, she steamed up the video for DNCE's "Toothbrush," starring as Joe Jonas's love interest.
In a previous interview with POPSUGAR Fashion, the beauty said of her recent success, "Finally the industry is recognizing what many of us have always known: curves are sexy. I hope this sparks more momentum for women to flaunt their curves, whether it's at the pool or while on vacation or as part of a major ad campaign. The world is ready to see more curves in bikinis!" We'll say. In honor of Ashley's success (and her all-around badassness in general), we've rounded up some of her sexiest swimsuit snaps, all courtesy of her personal Instagram. Keep reading to see them all now.
The 1 Thing Prince Harry Did That Got Him in Serious Sh*t With the Queen
When it comes to royal brothers Prince William and Prince Harry, the latter has always had a reputation of being the wild one. While he has certainly calmed down in recent years by taking his charity work very seriously and sparking up a romance with actress Meghan Markle, there were a handful of years when the youngest son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles acted out. And who can blame him? Harry recently revealed that after suffering the heartbreaking loss of his mother when he was just 12, he felt "scarred," which led to things like drinking and smoking. "I needed to fix the mistakes I was making," he told Newsweek, admitting that bottling up his grief led to years of "total chaos" and that he was "very close" to a breakdown several times.
One incident in particular that made his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, go into serious damage-control mode came after Harry jetted off to Las Vegas with some friends in 2012. The prince took full advantage of being in Sin City by partying with Ryan Lochte and hosting a game of strip billiards in his hotel suite. Soon after the wild night, pictures of Harry - who was 27 at the time and dating Cressida Bonas - with no clothes on hit the web.
After the scandal broke, Harry quickly flew back to England and readied himself for a tense meeting with the queen and his dad, Prince Charles. While the exact context of that meeting isn't known, Harry had "to face up" to his family and explain himself. Clarence House, a royal residence in London, also issued a media blackout of the photos, requesting that British outlets not print or post them. While we didn't hate those photos, we definitely love this mature, sexy-as-hell Harry a lot more.
Lea Michele Has "Resting Beach Face" While Hanging Out in Hawaii
Lea Michele escaped to Hawaii with a group of girlfriends this week, and on Wednesday, the former Glee star was spotted hitting the ocean in Maui wearing a cheeky black Milly one-piece swimsuit that read "Resting Beach Face." Lea celebrated Memorial Day in a red "Bae-Watch" number, and back in February, we saw her paddleboarding in Maui wearing a "Beach Please" one-piece - so we're counting on her to keep her statement suit game strong all year long.
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.
10+ No-Bake Cakes Just in Time For Summer
The last thing you want to do on a hot Summer day is bake in a stuffy kitchen. Steer clear of the oven with these no-bake cake recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without your having to break a sweat.
7 Facts About Victoria and David Beckham's 1999 Wedding That Will Still Blow Your Mind
Victoria and David Beckham famously tied the knot in July 1999 after the former soccer player set his sights on the fashion designer at a hotel. Even though it's been nearly 18 years since they exchanged "I dos," the affair still remains one of the most lavish celebrity weddings to date. Between the his-and-her gold thrones and the matching outfits, David and Victoria's nuptials could have easily passed for a royal wedding.
This Latin Wedding Playlist Will Make All Your Guests Get Up and Dance!
Whether you're getting ready to marry another Latino or not, your wedding playlist has to include some salsa, merengue, and maybe even a little reggaeton. These 30 songs will have all your guests ready to get down and party - yes, even those who might not be as loose on the dance floor.
Source: Shutterstock
Your Kitchen Will Look Instantly Cuter With KitchenAid's Mini Stand Mixer
What is it about mini things that makes them 5 million times cuter than their regular-size versions? Whatever the case, the same is true for KitchenAid stand mixers. In case you missed it, the popular appliance comes in a miniature size in addition to the standard size, and it's ridiculously adorable and perfect for small kitchens without much storage space. The Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer ($280) is 20 percent smaller, 25 percent lighter, and nearly $100 cheaper than the Classic KitchenAid Stand Mixer ($350).
The miniature mixer makes up to five dozen cookies in a single batch with the same power as the classic KitchenAid. It fits all the same attachments, and it's the perfect tool for baking cookies, cakes, pizza dough, and more. If you're obsessing over the cuteness, read ahead to see more colors and details and shop the mini mixer for yourself.
Prepare to Feel Old After Watching the First iPhone Commercial Ever
It's now official: the iPhone has been in our lives for 10 years. The iPhone, first announced at the Macworld expo on Jan. 9, 2007, was released in stores on June 29, 2007. It's come a long way from its 2-megapixel camera and being called a "widescreen iPod." Apple's first ad about the iPhone arrived in February 2007, and watching it will bring back all sorts of nostalgia.
The commercial is simple: it shows actors throughout the years using different phones in movies and saying "Hello." The hidden message here? Think of the iPhone as just another iteration of the phone we all use to talk to one another. And while maybe now, we shy away from using the iPhone to actually call someone, its message rang true - the iPhone wasn't a scary or useless invention. Watch the original ad ahead and travel back in time to 2007.
It's 100% Normal to Hum the Game of Thrones Theme While Looking at the Season 7 Pictures
Game of Thrones season seven is about to come blasting into our lives like a cold Winter storm, and we need to be prepared. HBO has released another batch of photos from the new season, and DAMN. There are shots of every main character: Dany, Jon, Arya, Cersei, literally everyone. Scroll through each and every picture, and get a look at the most exciting season seven moments so far, plus all the details we have about season seven.
We Can Definitively Say That Chris Pine Has Only Gotten Hotter With Age
Chris Pine is currently steaming up the big screen as Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman, but he's actually been giving us heart eyes since he hit the scene in the 2006 romantic comedy Just My Luck. With his baby face, piercing blue eyes, and undying commitment to rocking high-waisted trousers, it's no wonder that some of Hollywood's hottest models and actresses have fallen for the guy - he even managed to look hot with a f*cking handlebar mustache!
In addition to his good looks, Chris can sing, dance, and also has a sense of humor; he isn't afraid to admit that he's not the only hot Chris in Hollywood, and despite our plethora of choices for sexy stars named Chris, we just can't help but keep pining over this one. Look back at Chris's evolution in pictures.
12 Style Lessons From the High-Heel Queen Herself, Sofia Vergara
The epitome of confidence and grace, Sofia Vergara has given us a wealth of fashion inspiration through the years. Whether she's strutting her way through the airport or gracefully gliding down the red carpet, she always steals the show with her elevated outfit choices. Although the Modern Family actress has adequately proven that sky-high heels are a closet must-have, she's also taught us tons of other style lessons that serve us well in everyday life. Read on for 12 fashion truths we've learned from studying Sofia's best looks to date.
5 Downsides to Running a Marathon
Running a marathon is a huge accomplishment. No matter what one's finish time is, crossing the finish at 26.2 miles is a major milestone in anyone's life. Whether it's a first marathon or a 50th marathon, it is the culmination of months of training, time, and above all, dedication to running. The feeling of elation and self-awe is something that never really leaves you when you finish. Even the most confident runner will remember his or her first marathon, and that feeling of "I did this" will stay with them forever. It's an amazing feeling to accomplish something so big after months of wondering how it could be possible to get there. Despite all this, there are some downsides to consider when running a marathon.
1. Marathons may make you gain weight
Think all that running and high mileage weeks will make the pounds melt off? Think again. When you're running, you need fuel. You'll probably be hungrier than ever before. You'll also be gaining muscle. If you're not varying up your routine with pace, intervals, and elevation, your body may start to adjust to one thing and therefore be less efficient about burning calories. If you're not careful, weight gain can happen. If this is the case, pay attention to eating more balanced meals during training - full of healthy protein and whole grains - so you'll stay fuller for longer.
Of course, gaining a couple pounds isn't necessarily a bad thing, as a lot depends on your perspective. If you feel stronger and proud of what your body can do, then embrace those few extra pounds. If the unexpected weight gain causes you to feel down on yourself or you feel like it's somehow hindering your performance, figure out why this may make you unhappy and reconsider what your primary goal was when training for the marathon. Never define your self-worth by the number on the scale. Training for a marathon should not be about trying to lose weight, or certainly not the primary reason. It may be a time goal, just finishing the race, overall self-improvement, or becoming a stronger person - physically and mentally.
How I Came to Terms With Running
2. Marathons may hurt your immune system
Regular exercise is great for your immune system, but sometimes too much exercise or extremely taxing workouts can actually suppress or weaken it. If you're like me and have found yourself consistently coming down with a cold either right before a marathon or immediately following one, you know firsthand this is true. Certainly proper rest and nutrition can help counter this, but it's worth acknowledging that running a marathon can be hard on not only your muscles but the rest of your body's systems. That's yet another reason why one should allow one's self to fully recover in between intense workouts and certainly following a macro-training cycle (i.e., training for a marathon).
3. Marathons increase your risk of injury
Statistically, the higher the mileage, the higher the risk of injury. Running so many miles and so frequently may also exacerbate old injuries - or create new ones. So, in training for any long distance race, you'll need to be extremely careful with how you progress the more you spend time running and logging high mileage. It's very important that when beginning any training plan, no matter what the distance, there is a base-building period before the training season even starts. During training, it's so important that you allow yourself at least one or two rest days each week, and on your easy running days, you slow your pace and your effort down significantly. Doing too much, too soon, is one of the cardinal rules of what not to do when running or exercising in general, as this will inevitably lead to over training and injury.
4. Marathons are addicting
It's true that when you accomplish something you didn't think you could ever do before, you might want to do it again. Races tend to be like this . . . especially marathons. You finish one, and then you realize that maybe you could either do better next time, or maybe you crave that feeling of accomplishment all over again, so you sign up for another race.
When I decided to run my first marathon, I had only previously run a half-marathon and was an inexperienced runner. I probably did everything wrong in my training and during the race in terms of strategy, nutrition, hydration, etc., yet I still finished with a decent time. Even though I could barely walk in the days that followed, I knew I had to do another. I wanted to be faster. I wanted to say that I could run a marathon in under four hours. I wanted to be smarter about my training the next time around. Now, eight years later and seven marathons under my belt, I'm a Boston Marathon qualifier, and yet I still want to run to beat my current PR. I know at some point I will "hit a wall" and start to slow down - this is inevitable - but because I accomplished something I never thought I would be capable of doing, I wonder if I can do better than before. So can self-improvement be a bad thing? Perhaps. One needs to be very careful not to push your limits too much. This could lead to physical injury, burnout, or being so compulsive that running comes at a sacrifice to the rest of your life. Allow running to be just a part of your life, but don't let it consume you.
5. Marathons change your perspective
After running a marathon, suddenly a half-marathon or 10k and definitely a 5k can seem too short. When you train for a marathon, you're used to thinking about distance in terms of "long runs" or "medium" runs, combined with tempo, intervals, and hill workouts - which are still usually more than a couple miles. During training, short runs sometimes get sidelined, or aren't thought of as very important as they tend to get classified as "shakeouts" or "warm-ups." Running two, three, or even four miles may be perceived as not a legitimate running distance. Yet it shouldn't be this way. Running any distance - no matter how far or how slow is a workout. It's always better than the alternative. But after taking a hiatus from running, whether by choice or because of injury, starting all over is really hard. Suddenly, a "short" run feels incredibly difficult, as if it's a marathon itself, and yet it's nowhere near the distance of one. This can be a huge blow to one's confidence. Try to separate the past and the present. There will always be a constant urge to compare your new self to your old self. Think about the marathon that you ran as a physical accomplishment and the "starting over" as more of a mental test. Move past the negative thoughts, and just focus on the very act of moving forward.
Despite these drawbacks, there are so many wonderful things about training for and running marathons, but it's worth being realistic about our reasons for doing so. Especially when trying something new, it's always important to factor in the pros and cons. Since most people spend months training for a marathon, it's important to know that there can be downsides when deciding to train for one. And, while marathon participation is at an all time high, this doesn't mean they are for everyone. Just because you may not have run a marathon, a half marathon, or any race distance for that matter, doesn't mean you're less of a runner than the experienced marathoner. What matters is that you move, and you allow running to be part of who you are, but not let the distance you decide to run define you.
Rachel Spurrier, founder of Go & Glow, is a RRCA Certified Running Coach and Pre and Post Natal Corrective Exercise Specialist. A seven-time marathoner and Boston Marathon qualifier, she is also a mom to two young boys. Her writing has appeared in Women's Running, Red Tricycle, and other publications. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
One of These Crazy Flavors Could Be the Next Oreo Cookie in Stores
Oreo has been listening closely to its fans with its popular My Oreo Creation Contest, which allows anyone to submit new flavor ideas. The contest has been going strong since May and will close on July 14, and if Oreo picks your idea as the next new flavor to be sold in stores across the US, you could win $500,000. And regardless of the final winner, Oreo has been hard at work bringing lots of people's submissions to life and surprising people with real samples.
YALL. KETTLE CORN OREO!! 😍Look what came in the mail. 🙀Seriously SO amazing - need a whole pack! @Oreo #mycookiecreation #myoreo #contest http://pic.twitter.com/VMt95cnYzs
- Jessica Segarra (@TheNoviceChef) June 14, 2017
It's safe to say people got really creative with their ideas, and the new flavor will surely live up to the standards of Oreo's already-outrageous existing flavors, like Key Lime Pie, Waffles & Syrup, and Swedish Fish.
What's even more exciting is that Oreo is asking for Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar flavor ideas in addition to the cookie ideas. Take a look at some of Oreo's never-before-released prototypes of some of the My Oreo Creation Contest flavors from the Oreo Wonder Vault and vote on the ones you'd actually like to see available in stores!
9 Times the British Royal Family Showed Us That Some Rules Are Meant to Be Broken
Prince William recently made headlines when he broke royal protocol to console a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire earlier this month, but as it turns out, the British royal family breaks the rules all the time, especially when emotion takes over. The monarchy suggests that you shouldn't go beyond a handshake when meeting a British royal, and if you're thinking about asking them for an autograph or selfie, you should probably think again. Not only is that also a breech of royal protocol, but their likely response will be, "Sorry, they don't allow me to do that." Unlike celebrities, royals cannot afford to have their signature forged and possibly used against them at a later point. Still, some rules are meant to be broken.
The 10 Best US Road Trip Destinations For Foodies
For American travelers, road trips are the remedy for that urge to be adventurous and escape everyday life without the process of flying. You don't have to travel far to find a nearby vibrant and delicious city in the States. Many top cities remain a popular choice, but the constant revolution of up-and-coming culinary destinations leave food-lovers on their toes. Whether you're taking a spontaneous weekend getaway or a month-long journey, grab your friends, hit the open road with your windows down, and eat your way through the country in these top 10 foodie destinations.