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.
samedi 4 août 2018
Here's Exactly Why Tracy Anderson Never Gives Instruction During Her Classes
Image Source: Nick Gerber
The method behind the Tracy Anderson Method is a unique one: the temperature in her dance-cardio classes is cranked up to 86 degrees with 69 percent humidity, and Tracy provides zero instruction. Now, if you've ever taken a group fitness class, you're probably accustomed to motivational speeches in between sets or even military-style abuse. But the celebrity trainer, who's also Gwyneth Paltrow's longtime friend and business partner, simply tells you to move as she does as if you were playing a video game. I recently got a taste of Tracy's class (minus the heat) during the Chicago stop of G. Sport Sessions, a fitness experience by Westin Hotels and Goop, and I actually appreciated her silent style.
After 50 minutes of sweating it out on the mat, Tracy sat down for a Q&A where she explained the reasoning behind her class format:
"I speak with my body," she said. "The reason why I don't speak to you during the class is because I don't want to take from you. I don't want to distract you. I don't believe that I know how to move better in your body than you know how to move in your own."
She then went on to explain how she conducted her early research and the impact it's had on her method. She studied how different stimulus affected participants as they exercised by hooking them up to machines and allowing them to watch their favorite shows on TV as they walked on a treadmill. She continued to experiment and monitored the effects of different coaching methods, from motivational orders to bootcamp-style yelling, until finally, she landed on one that worked.
"Then I turned on music - the louder I turned on the music, the more neural pathways opened up," Tracy said. "Then I put my treadmill in front of their treadmills, and I shut up, and I turned up the music, and I said to mimic me. And their brains just opened up the craziest number of pathways by doing that."
She found that the key was to avoid stressful instruction and to allow class-takers to figure out the movement on their own rather than providing predictive cuing.
"It is not my responsibility to go, 'Shake it, girl, you got it!' or 'You're such a wimp!' It's terrible," she said. "How are you supposed to connect to your spiritual self during that? How are you supposed to process your emotions? How are you supposed to get to know yourself? How are you supposed to find yourself?"
As a result, you're more present and challenged. And honestly, I wouldn't mind if more instructors followed this way of teaching. Namaste.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi
Running Your First Marathon? A Running Coach Shares What to Expect
Running your first marathon is a very exciting and equally daunting experience. Training for and running 26.2 miles is not an easy task (we'll be rooting for you), but at the end of the day, you're going to feel like such a badass once you cross the finish line.
To ensure that you have the best experience possible during your training and race, we spoke to Roberto Mandje, an Olympic distance runner and coach of the New York Road Runners. Roberto shared his best tips, like dealing with race-day cramps, and the most efficient way to pace your race. Congratulations on your first marathon and good luck!
7 Brutal Truths We Wish Everyone Knew About Depression
The signs and struggles of depression are often harder to notice than those of physical conditions, but like any mental health disorder, it's just as debilitating without proper treatment and support. While it can be impossible to understand what someone with depression is experiencing, here are the most important things to know about depression, according to Allison Abrams at YourTango.
Depression is NOT a first-world problem.
Each year, 30,000 Americans die by suicide. In two thirds of these cases, depression is an underlying factor. In any given year, 6.7 percent of the adult population will experience a major depressive episode.
For those who are not part of the 6.7 percent, it's impossible to understand what someone with depression really goes through. Lack of awareness and education surrounding mental illness, and gross inaccuracies in the media inevitably result in misinformation.
Below, I hope to clarify some of the myths associated with depression, along with some examples of what NOT to say to someone who is depressed.
1. Depression is more than just sadness.
"Everyone feels this way sometimes."
False. Everyone experiences periods of sadness or grief during their lifetime, but not everyone will experience a clinical depressive episode.
A pervasive disease of the brain, depression goes beyond sadness, affecting every aspect of the sufferer's life. It can be a debilitating disease, and as a primary cause of suicide, a fatal one.
When someone is depressed, something as simple as taking a shower can seem like a Herculean task, as can any social interaction. Often one's view of themselves becomes so distorted they may see the world and everyone in it as an adversary, including family and friends.
They may know, intellectually, that they are loved and that the world is not 'against' them. However, intellect and reason play little role in depression.
What does play a major role are feelings of inexplicable guilt, helplessness and deep despair. Sometimes there may be sadness, and sometimes there may be no feeling at all- just a dull, paralyzing numbness, the idea of things ever getting better seeming like an impossibility.
2. Depression is NOT weakness.
"Snap out of it. It can't be that bad."
Depression has absolutely nothing to do with strength or character any more than cancer, or any other disease does. It is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors that goes beyond mood.
Researchers have known for years that those with depression have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, are more likely to die after a heart attack, and often have compromised immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
If someone had a heart condition, you likely wouldn't say: "Just think positive to avoid that next brain aneurysm!" Saying "snap out of it" or any statement containing the word 'bootstraps', continues to further stigma, discrimination, and thus the prevalence of untreated depression.
Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't say it to someone with heart disease, don't say it to someone with a brain disease.
3. Depression is NOT a choice.
"But you're so young and pretty, what do you have to be depressed about?"
This was an actual statement made to a former client, by a psychiatrist who she finally agreed to see after years of self-harming and frequent suicidal thoughts, despite weekly therapy.
Telling her that she had 'nothing to be depressed about', or that physical appearance or age has any relevance whatsoever, implies that there is a choice involved, perpetuating the excessive feelings of guilt that often haunt those with depression.
Nobody chooses to be depressed.
When I hear of such insensitive remarks said to those brave enough to reach out, I almost understand why some are still hesitant to seek help. As mental health professionals, we can do better than that.
4. Depression is not a 'first world problem'.
According to the World Health Organization, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. That's 5 percent of the world's population, and 20-40 percent of women in developing countries experience postpartum depression, almost twice the percentage in industrialized countries!
The number of people to recognize and report symptoms or to be properly diagnosed by a mental health professional may vary among cultures, but who is actually at risk for developing a depressive disorder is not determined by nationality. Nor is it determined by appearance, race, age, socioeconomic status, religion, occupation, or education.
Depression doesn't discriminate. The idea that external circumstances are the sole contributor to the prevalence of a brain disease such as depression, discounts the genetic, biological and many other factors involved.
Rule of Thumb: Study the statistics before disseminating false information
5. Antidepressants do not 'turn you into a zombie'.
"My friend's sister's best friend's boyfriend's cousin knows someone who went on meds and they totally turned him into a zombie! They took away his personality!"
I hear variations of the above statement more often than I'd like, either from well-meaning friends and family of clients, or from clients themselves.
Like most medications, antidepressants come with the possibility of side effects and it may take a few trials to find the one that works with a person's unique body chemistry.
With advances in technology though, we have come a long way in developing new, effective medications, many with minimal side effects. Yes, there are other treatments out there and depression doesn't always require medication.
However, depending on the severity of symptoms, especially in the case of suicide, medication can be a lifesaver. So, before telling someone to go off of their 'meds', realize you're asking them to put their life at risk.
So, despite the fear-mongering, antidepressants do not "take away your personality"!
6. Antidepressants are not addictive.
"You'll get hooked on that stuff. Just try it the natural way."
Unlike some anti-anxiety medications or sleeping aids, antidepressants are not habit-forming. They do not result in craving when stopped, nor do they require an increase in dose to get the desired effect.
The withdrawal effects that can occur when someone suddenly stops taking the medication are the body's physiological response similar to a diabetic suddenly discontinuing insulin. This is why doctors recommend tapering off slowly rather than stopping altogether.
Are antidepressants and other medications over prescribed in our country? Yes. However, this does not negate all of the lives they have saved.
Not everyone who begins a medication regimen will need to continue long-term, but if it improves quality of life and reduces the risk of suicide, why not continue as long as needed?
Rule of thumb: If you don't have all of the facts, refrain from giving unsolicited advice.
7. Those who struggle with depression are not 'crazy.'
"These girls I date are crazy - they're all on meds!"
Any time I hear the words "crazy" and "meds" in a sentence, I cringe.
Considering the number of people who take some type of psychotropic medication, whether for depression, anxiety, ADHD or any other mental health condition, suggesting that every one of them is "crazy" is beyond ignorant.
More importantly, using the word 'crazy' at all to describe someone who struggles with a mental health condition is not only ignorant, but potentially very harmful. Here's an idea: let's remove the word "crazy", or any other disparaging term from our vernacular altogether.
Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't say it about your mother, your child or any of your loved ones, don't say it at all.
Above are just a few examples of the myths and inaccuracies regarding mental illness and depression in particular. So long as inferior medical benefits, systematic discrimination, lack of awareness and misinformation continue to exist, stigma will persist.
So, what can we do about it? By simply becoming more responsible with our language, learning the facts, educating ourselves and others, we are taking the steps necessary to change the way mental illness is viewed and treated in this country.
Again, remember that depression does not discriminate and can affect any one of us at any time, including those we love. It serves us all to know the facts so that stigma, and discrimination, become a thing of the past once and for all.
For more information on mental health awareness or to become an advocate, go to nami.org.
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Allison Abrams is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in NYC, and a mindfulness coach with the NY division of Leading Minds Executive Coaching.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
I Worked Out Like a Kid and Burned Major Calories - Here's How You Can Do It Too
When my brother moved back home from college, he kept pushing me to work out with him. He's basically Andy Dwyer from Parks and Recreation IRL, but with twice the amount of energy, so sitting around watching Netflix as quality time wasn't going to work. However, I complained to him that exercising is so much harder as an adult. I played outside for hours every day as a kid, and I never imagined a day would come when I couldn't turn a cartwheel or race my bike up a steep hill. I had completely taken my strength and stamina for granted. Now, after years of sitting in a cubicle most of the day, I'd gotten soft. I had just started Kayla Itsines's Bikini Body Guide, and it calls for days of cardio throughout the week. I was not looking forward to it.
My brother and I reminisced about long Summer days as kids. When we were younger, there was no better feeling than having a hard-earned popsicle after playing really hard outside. Exhausted and panting, we'd animatedly strategize about what game to play next. We'd cool down for only a moment before racing back out into the sticky Southern heat. We never dreaded those hours of "cardio." It wasn't another box to check on a to-do list. It was just fun. I've noticed as an adult that walks with friends can easily turn into vent sessions, treadmills get monotonous, and solo cardio sessions can feel grueling. Maybe children are lighter because they make time for simply playing.
Being the master of simple solutions that he is, my brother suggested we just exercise like kids. And guess what? It worked. I look forward to our cardio sessions now, my anxiety has been way less intense, and my relationship with my brother has never been better. I feel happy. Here are some ways you can reconnect with your inner child and lose some of that adult stress (while also getting in a little outdoor cardio this Summer).
If it's climbable, climb it
The first thing I had to get over was being embarrassed. Kids don't even think about what adults think while they're playing - they just play. Good thing my brother has zero shame and has the energy of a golden retriever. We were walking around the local lake, and he just said, "Hey, bet you can't climb that." Next thing you know, we were scaling a huge boulder, trying to beat each other to the top. Then we jumped off and ran to find something else to climb.
Play a discreet (or not discreet) game of tag
This is going to look silly, but you have some options. Sure, you could play the traditional running way, but remember when you'd make up ridiculous rules to tag? Just tap back into that imagination. You could speed walk to be more low-key, or go even bigger. Jump, do high knees, skip. If it gets you moving and is still competitive, go for it!
Make a scavenger hunt
This can be as informal or formal as you want. I think it'd be really fun to do with a large group of friends with official rules, but my brother and I tend to keep it simple. We live in an area with tons of hiking spots, so we get off the trail to look for different animals, bugs, plants (or less-scientific stuff, like a person wearing a fanny pack or sweatbands), and I have to tell you, this has done more for my anxiety than anything else. There is a reason forest bathing is having a moment (that hopefully will never end). Spending time appreciating nature slowly is so good for the soul.
Play the "When you get to . . . " game
When you get to a trashcan, long-jump until the next tree. When you hit the next tree, sprint to the next boulder. At the boulder, crab-walk till you hit a mile marker. You get the idea. Make up some rules for your next walk, and if you mess up, you lose a life. Winner is first to the end of the trail, or whoever didn't lose all three lives (whichever comes first).
Play a little 1:1
Basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football - whatever is in your area, do it. If you were a kid and passed a court, you'd probably stop and play. For some reason as adults, it seems we rarely do that. Next time, start a game. Before you know it, an hour will have gone by, and if you played hard, you'll have some major calorie burn to show for it.
This Equinox Trainer's Fat-Burning, Bodyweight HIIT Workout Only Takes 10 Minutes
Despite what you may have heard, you don't need to spend hours and hours at the gym to tone up, shed fat, and feel amazing. Martel Martellus, NASM-certified trainer at Equinox, recommends doing HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions when you're short on time and want to get in a good workout.
"HIIT workouts can help you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time," Martel told POPSUGAR. "They also keep your metabolic rate high after your workout so you burn extra calories, even after." That means you'll burn more calories throughout the day, long after you've wrapped up your sweat session.
Not only does HIIT equal more calorie burn, but "it adds as a post-exercise appetite suppressant," Martel said. "It allows for higher levels of fat oxidation in the muscles, which basically means that your lipid molecules (fat cells) are broken down into smaller sizes and used for energy rather than excess storage, which contributes to weight loss." Sounds good to us. Where do we sign up?
I did a HIIT workout with Martel last week, and it was a tough one. We did seven different exercises for 20 seconds and rested for 10 seconds before moving onto the next one. You go through all the exercises once, rest for 60 seconds, and repeat two more times for a total of three rounds. That only equals 10.5 minutes of work. You can do anything for 10 minutes! And the best part is, you don't need any equipment for this session.
Here are the exercises, and descriptions for each one are below.
- Split lunge jump + squat
- Plyometric push-ups
- Mountain climbers + burpee tuck jump
- Shuffle + curtsy lunge
- Reverse burpee
- Lateral hops
- Split lunge jumps
If Lower-Belly Fat Is Your Trouble Spot, Then Try This Ab-Focused Workout
Lower-belly fat is a common problem area for people looking to flatten their bellies and tighten their core. Although you can't specifically spot target fat loss - as you lose weight, you can't control which fat cells shrink from which body parts - you can target specific muscles with certain exercises.
To lose weight overall, it's important to eat a healthy diet in a calorie deficit, incorporate cardio and HIIT exercise, and strength train your whole body. But if you're looking to strengthen your lower ab muscles specifically, these 18 exercises are a great place to start. Best part? Most of them are equipment-free so you can do them right at home.
This Is the Only Group Fitness Class That Actually Kept Its Promise and Changed My Body
I've been in the fitness world for a long, long time. I started doing yoga regularly when I was 18 years old and have been teaching for almost six years. On top of that, I've been a trainer in various settings and have taught movement and wellness at retreats around the world.
My back looked leaner, my arms were more cut, and I could see a little more definition in my abs.
Over the years, I've done and taught my fair share of group fitness classes. However, I've been a bit disenchanted with the world of group fitness lately because it's hard to find a comprehensive program that hits all the targets: strength, conditioning, agility, coordination, skill-based training, and mobility. But that all changed when I found the Epic Hybrid Training Center.
Epic is a HIIT circuit facility that's loosely based on obstacle course race training. You'll do everything from bodyweight plyometric movements to kettlebell strength work and skill-based training, such as monkey bars or rings. And the best part is there are modifications for each and every exercise, so Epic is appropriate for all levels. Whether you're a total beginner or a professional athlete, you will work up a major sweat at Epic and feel accomplished when you leave.
When I started doing Epic regularly, I saw a change in my body within a month. My back looked leaner (to the point where people kept complimenting me on it!), my arms were more cut, and I could see a little more definition in my abs. Epic is the only group fitness class that leaves my abs sore regularly because its programming focuses heavily on core strength. Almost every move you do derives from your core, so you're forced to strengthen your abs with every movement. But you'll also work every other part of your body, leaving you more toned and stronger than before.
Whether you're a total beginner or a professional athlete, you will work up a major sweat at Epic and feel accomplished when you leave.
In the past, I've attended other group fitness facilities regularly and hoped that they would offer me what they promised - to lose weight, get cut abs, etc. But in the long run, most of them let me down because the program was either too injury-prone or just not functional enough long-term. Epic kept its promises to me, though. I've never had an injury, and I've only gotten stronger.
There are multiple Epic locations around the country, and if you live near one, I highly recommend you go give it a try. I fell in love with the variety of the program and how challenged I feel every time I go. I never thought I would be able to travel across monkey bars for a full 60 seconds, but now I can - and it feels incredible! My next goal is to do multiple rope climbs in a row. No matter what, keep in mind that there are modifications for everything, so if a movement looks impossible or difficult, there is a variation that you can certainly do.
I ended up loving Epic so much that I'm now an instructor there. I feel so lucky to be part of a team that is committed to high performance and functional fitness. Come see what the hype is all about!
The Most Genius Time-Saving Meal Prep Hack: Freeze These 11 Foods
There are so many reasons why cooking your meals beats dining out. It's usually much healthier, cheaper, and can even strengthen your relationship when done with a partner. Whether you find it relaxing or a chore, the truth is, sometimes it's difficult to simply find the time to cook. To help with your meal prep, cut back on time constraints by freezing fresh food to use later in the week. The following foods handle frosty temperatures perfectly, making homemade dinners a breeze.
Keto Dieters, Bookmark This Shopping List Before Your Next Grocery Trip
On the off chance that this is the first time you're hearing of the ketogenic diet, it's a low-carb, high-fat diet that discourages carbs and sugar. Basically, it calls for healthy fats and oils to help your body transition into a state of ketosis in which your body burns fat for energy. Though it does have a laundry list of restricted items, keto is actually quite manageable as far as a flexible diet goes. All you cheese-loving carnivores will especially enjoy this way of eating.
To help make your next grocery trip easy, we've put together a gallery of items that are good to throw into your cart. See them ahead!
This 1 Piece of Fitness Gear Will Make or Break Your Next Run
For all the research and development we put into finding the perfect pair of running shoes, our socks are normally an afterthought. But that shouldn't be the case. Wearing the right socks is just as important as wearing the right shoes; they should provide comfort, be breathable, and, most importantly, prevent blisters. We've rounded up some of our favorite running socks; having the right pair will change your life.
11 Cheeky Etsy Doormats That Accurately Describe How We Feel
For most people, a doormat is one of those home pieces you don't pay much attention to. You either have one that you're "meh" about because it's littered with shoes or you don't have one at all. Your entire attitude will change, however, once you see the ones from Etsy. With funny phrases - like "Probably at Target" and "Get in, loser" - these doormats are not your ordinary stepping pads. They say exactly what we're thinking and are guaranteed to make your guests burst out laughing. Just try not to crack up while shopping these affordable selections.
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
It's time to start planning your next Summer vacation. And with a size of 3.8 million square miles, the United States has you covered when it comes to travel and adventure. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. So, go ahead - pack your bags. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
Have the Best (Laziest) Summer With These 50+ Easy, Breezy Hacks
Hey, it's hot outside and it's hot inside - no one is here to judge you for wanting to put a minimal amount of effort into your Summer activities. But just because you're feeling super lazy, that doesn't mean you can't have a fun and fulfilling few months in the sun. Whether you're just trying to make it through the day without melting into a puddle or you're hoping to have the best Summer road trip, backyard BBQ, or pool party ever, we have rounded up all the genius time-, sanity-, and money-saving hacks you need in your Summer toolkit. Are you ready for the ultimate lazy Summer?
- Additional reporting by Erin Cullum, Alessia Santoro, Rosy Pahwa, Emily Co, Nicole Yi, Sarah Lipoff, and Macy Cate Williams
20+ Vegetarian Meals You Can Pop in the Freezer For Ultimate Convenience
I'm a big fan of spending my Sunday afternoons meal prepping for the week. It gives me something to do, plus I thoroughly hate cooking during the week after I get home from work. This means my fridge and freezer are constantly full of plastic containers stuffed with prepared meals. Each of the 20+ recipes here can also be prepped over the weekend and shoved in your freezer for the next night you don't feel like cooking. Bonus: they're all vegetarian, to suit anyone who's veggie or anyone (like me) who just really doesn't like cooking meat. Keep reading for meal-prep inspiration.
A Golden Girls Cookbook Is Happening, and We're Already Hooked on the Cheesecake Recipe
The only thing that might be better than cooking with Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose is cooking recipes inspired by Golden Girls while the show plays in the background. That will be a possibility soon enough, because a Golden Girls cookbook is coming out in 2020! The book, set to be published by Kingswell, an imprint of Disney Publishing, will be full of recipes inspired by the timeless sitcom, according to Babble.
Few additional details are known yet, but it wouldn't be a culinary ode to Golden Girls without at least one cheesecake recipe, would it? Babble has released the book's recipe for Double Fudge Chocolate Cheesecake, and yep, this cookbook is going to be legit. Just like the girls used to do, we see many round-the-cheesecake chats happening in our futures, too.
These Wines by the Glass Are Small Enough to Stash in Your Purse - and They're So Chic!
It's a common dilemma: you want to open a new bottle of wine, but you only plan on drinking a glass or two. Some wine experts say it's best to finish the whole bottle within 24 hours for the freshest taste, and it's a bummer to pour another glass the following week only to realize it's gone bad. A solution that's becoming more common is the idea of letting people buy wines by the glass - in places other than restaurants. And a new company called Standard Wines, which launched in November, makes this concept more accessible to wine-lovers everywhere.
From the founders of Vinebox, the wines-by-the-glass subscription service, Standard offers a red, white, and Rosé wine, each made in California and packaged in a 187-milliliter bottle that's, might I add, quite chic. Each bottle (aka glass) translates to one 6.3-ounce pour and costs $8. Right now, Standard Wines are available to order online (starting in packs of six).
"As options for alternative formats increase, it seems the median level of quality is dropping in correlation. It's our mission to remove the compromise associated with smaller formats and deliver generous, quality wines to everyone in an easy-to-enjoy, noncommittal, single-serving size," the company said in a press release. If you're into the idea of reaching for a one-and-done glass of wine whenever you feel like it (and not worrying about finding a bottle stopper when you're done), keep reading to learn more about this new company's offerings before you see them in stores.
20 Freezer Meals For Back to School and Beyond
When you're on the go, it's incredibly convenient to have meals that are fully prepared in the freezer. Just pop these dishes in the oven until they're nice and hot and enjoy a home-cooked meal whenever you want. Here are 20 fast and easy ideas that also happen to freeze very well.
Oreo's State Fair Cookies Are Out Now, So Make Some Room in Your Freezer (and Stomach)
Deep-fried Oreos are a state fair staple, and now you don't even have to go to a fair to get your hands on one. Oreo has released its own version of the classic treat: State Fair Oreos available in Vanilla Crunch and Chocolate Crunch. Unlike regular Oreos found in the snack aisle, these can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store - exclusively at Walmart, to be exact. To enjoy them, you simply heat them up in the oven for five minutes (for maximum crunch) or in the microwave for 30 seconds (for a quick fix). Oreo is making things way too easy on us!
This over-the-top treat features a classic Oreo cookie in the middle surrounded by a crunchy coating, which is either vanilla- or chocolate-flavored. Once heated, the dessert is creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Are you drooling yet? Prepare to make some room in your freezer and pick these up if you spot them at Walmart.
Build-A-Bear Has Evidently Learned From Its Mistake - a Huge Sale Is Happening Online Right Now!
If you found yourself foiled by the promise of Build-A-Bear's first-ever, one-day-only "Pay Your Age" event last month, the stuffed animal powerhouse has evidently gone back to the drawing board and come up with a great sale that won't impede on guest safety or leave eager parents disappointed. How wonderful! This weekend only, take part in the Friendship Weekend Sale (Aug. 3-5), happening online. Yes, be as lazy as you want, and add all of the bears to your cart without the hassle of even putting on pants. Each of the bears ahead are part of the two-for-$25 deal. Hurry up - we can't promise they won't sell out.
10 Postpartum Hospital Stay Survival Tips Every Mom-to-Be Should Know
Giving birth is the hardest part of a hospital stay, right? Not always. After delivering my son recently, I found the postpartum period before I was released to be even more challenging than pushing him out! Between fending off overeager visitors and struggling to get more than a few consecutive hours of sleep, I was in misery in the days after the birth.
The good news is that after some fails, I figured out a few tips and tricks to make my postpartum hospital stay more bearable. So if you're about to welcome a little one, keep reading to see how you can get through the recovery time post-birth with fewer bumps along the way.
My Ex-Husband and I Text Each Other All the Time, and It's Usually the Best Part of My Day
I remember when I was newly divorced and life as I knew it was over in many ways. Among them, the man who had been by my side through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, was now only making appearances opposite my lawyer and me in a courtroom. We didn't speak to each other much, and we were both harboring resentments. I was also struggling with acceptance. While I knew I didn't want to be married to him anymore, I sure as hell did not want a broken family. I didn't want to be without my kids half the time, and I didn't want to be a single mom the other half, either. The financial constraints of somehow making one salary enough for a family of four plagued me during most of my waking hours. I was scared and not OK with this arrangement. I felt lost. As soon as the papers were filed, I was without the husband I vowed to be with, until death do us part.
My ex-husband and I now text each other every day. Some days, we text a lot. Texting has become a staple of our postdivorce relationship.
Fast forward seven years. Seven years of rediscovering, adjusting, accepting, and healing. Seven years of creating a new life for this so-called broken family. In those seven short years, we've managed to create a new family - one that has two homes but isn't broken at all. We've put ourselves back together in a way that works for us. The best part is that the resentments and the hurt are gone. We've come to accept and even embrace our new arrangement. And the best part? The kids get to see their parents communicating in a healthy way, rather than incessantly fighting. And texting has helped to make that possible. My ex-husband and I now text each other every day. Some days, we text a lot. Texting has become a staple of our postdivorce relationship. It encourages inclusion but discourages arguments. It works for us, and I'm so grateful for that.
My three kids just spent two weeks in Cape Cod with their dad, which is a long time for me to go without them. As the days passed, my heart and soul longed to hug and kiss and laugh with them. I missed them terribly. But you know what helped? My ex-husband texted me every day. Thanks to those texts from my ex, I knew that they went to see a magician and that my son was chosen to be a volunteer for the lie detector test, which revealed that at 8 years old, he has a girlfriend! I received phone calls from my ex, during which he put the kids on speakerphone so they could all tell me about the highlights of their day. By the end of their vacation, I had received enough pictures to make a Cape Cod memory book, and it all helped me to feel a little closer to them during this longer-than-normal separation.
Far from being broken, our family is quite whole, and texts with my ex have played a significant part in our healing. The kids know their dad and I communicate regularly and that we're united in a very divorced kind of way. People often compliment my ex and me for getting along as well as we do. I always thank them for noticing, but I also smile inside knowing it hasn't been an easy journey getting here. In the early days, when court dates, lawyers, and affidavits were at the center of my relationship with my ex, communication was tough. We would text only when absolutely necessary. There were times when I wanted to block him completely. But somewhere along the line, we found acceptance.
I'm confident my ex and I will continue to text every day and that they'll always be about the kids: their schedules, their needs, or a funny story that only a parent could truly appreciate. When we need help with carpooling or schedule changes, we know we can rely on each other with a quick text: "Hey, can you pick up Molly from her practice at 3:30 so I can take Emmet to his lessons?" "Sure." We help each other out. Rather than splitting things up with "my nights" and "your nights," we're both parents every night.
I would have missed out on so many things if my ex and I were not on texting terms. I wouldn't have known that my daughter has a collection of sea glass or that my son found out the tooth fairy wasn't real. I wouldn't have seen the ear-to-ear smiles on the kids' faces when they went to their first Red Sox game, and I wouldn't have seen the video of that hockey goal I missed when I had to work on a Saturday. Today, I'm grateful for the gift of time. I'm grateful that we've been able to heal and that I embrace our new normal. And I'm so grateful for every text I receive from my ex.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Affects Roughly 50 Percent of Women, and You Need to Know About It
Pelvic organ prolapse, referred to as POP, affects millions of women every year, but many have never heard of it or know exactly what it is. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists defines POP as "a disorder in which one or more pelvic organs drops from their normal position in the body. These organs include the uterus, intestines, vagina, bladder, and rectum." The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support Organization estimates that up to 50 percent of all women may have some degree of POP, and over 300,000 women receive POP surgery in the United States each year. Since it's commonly associated with childbirth, this is information women of all ages need to be aware of.
What Are the Symptoms?
While there are varying degrees of POP, general symptoms include a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, a lower backache, painful intercourse, a feeling that something is falling out of the vagina, urinary problems such as leaking of urine or a chronic urge to urinate, constipation, and spotting or bleeding from the vagina. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, check in with your doctor right away.
How Do I Prevent It?
A study by Yale University found that women who returned to a healthy BMI within one year of having a baby had a lower incidence of POP. This means that even if you have significant gestational weight gain, if you can implement healthy nutritional and exercise habits postdelivery, you have a much better chance at minimizing your POP.
Urologist Dr. Dana Rice, creator of UTI Tracker App, told POPSUGAR that she also highly recommends pelvic floor exercises as part of a regular routine to minimize symptoms: "In postpartum studies, urinary incontinence in particular is reported at 41 percent prevalence with direct increase with older moms, and one long-term study shows pelvic floor muscle exercises are safe and effective for urinary incontinence."
If you're unable to get out of the house with a new baby or don't have access to regular physical therapy appointments, exercises done at home can be just as effective. Companies like Matriarc have a free app specifically dedicated to providing women with pelvic floor and core exercises postdelivery.
Jacqueline M. Stiles, a physical therapist with the Evergreen Clinic who focuses on pelvic health, told POPSUGAR that woman also need to make sure they're adopting healthy bathroom habits. "It's important to make sure you sit down on the toilet seat to allow the pelvic muscles to fully relax," she said. "Do not push down because it can encourage the organs to prolapse. Try putting your feet on a stool when seated on the toilet because it straightens out the alignment of your rectum to create a better 'poop chute,' leading to easier bowel movements."
How Do I Treat It?
Dr. Rice cautions that not all cases should lead to surgery. "There are varying stages of prolapse and not all stages are operative," she explained. "If a patient is not having symptoms, operating is not the answer. No surgery is without risk." If you have a minor case of POP, pelvic floor exercises, medication, or a Pessaries (silicone devices placed vaginally to hold the pelvic organs in place) may be options for you. Continuing healthy exercise and bathroom and nutritional habits should also be a part of your daily regimen.
For more severe cases, once assessed by your medical professional, surgery may be the right solution for your long-term pain and elimination of symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgeries range from securing the connective tissue between your vagina and rectum, bladder, and vagina and removing excess tissue up to hysterectomy, depending on age and likelihood of more children.
This Is the 1 Thing That Saved My Outdoor Party, and It's From Amazon
Having a party is seriously stressful. You want to make everything feel beautiful and effortless, and meanwhile, you're running around behind the scenes cleaning up spills and making sure everyone's glasses are always filled. One of the things that nobody tells you about having a party is that you will go through more glasses than you thought possible. If red Solo cups don't necessarily go with your aesthetic, you need a chic, affordable alternative to make sure all your guests have enough to drink.
These Tossware Recyclable Wine Plastic Cups ($13, originally $15 for a set of 12) are game changers for busy hosts. They're unbreakable, inexpensive wine glasses that look just like their glass counterparts. You can buy a bunch to have on hand for parties without worrying that someone will break a glass and cut themselves or that you'll run out of cups and have people drinking out of soup bowls. I recently hosted a party that was larger than anticipated, and these were the unequivocal MVP. You need them in your cabinets.
15 Things Nobody Told Me About Breastfeeding That I Wish I'd Known
When my son was born, I rather naively began trying to breastfeed him without ever thinking things wouldn't go smoothly. After all, I was used to seeing beautiful images online of mothers breastfeeding their babies, looking like they were in pure bliss. My own mother breastfed three kids, and many of my mom friends breastfed and made it look easy. So my breastfeeding journey would be a piece of cake too, right? Um, no. In addition to moments of bliss and ease, I'm also realizing there's a whole host of things no one tells you about breastfeeding. For example, your nipples can blister up and bleed (I wish I was kidding). Keep reading for more harsh breastfeeding truths you need to hear prelatch.
Why Being a "Good Enough" Parent Is Actually the Best Thing You Can Do For Your Kids
This post written by Cheryl Gerson was originally featured on YourTango.
Stop worrying about being perfect. It's bad for your kids.
With the growing rates of anxiety in children, it's no wonder many moms and dads worry about passing their anxiety onto their kids. And while genetics play a role in whether or not anxiety affects your children, your parenting style does, too.
If you want to raise stress-free kids, some parenting experts suggest using "free-range parenting" techniques - a parenting style where you intentionally let your kid make mistakes so he can learn from his experiences.
If you're set on being the perfect parent, this approach probably goes against every bone in your body, but it can help anxious parents raise resilient, easy-going kids. And it all starts with how you think about parenting.
In 1953, the British child psychoanalyst D.W.Winnicott coined the phrase, "Good-enough mother." His concept is that not only are all mothers (and parents for that matter) imperfect, but that a mother's imperfection is actually helpful to baby's development.
When you hold your newborn baby in your arms and look down at that amazing little face, all you want is for this child to have the best of everything in life. You are blown away by their potential. They could do anything, be anything! And it's your job to make sure that they get the best of everything.
That's a monumental task for an anxious parent. You could find yourself worrying about any small hurt. You could catastrophize what could happen in the future.
And if you're the parent of a teenager, it's not much easier. For example, when your child is approaching the end of high school, you're faced not only with the idea that your baby is becoming an adult (a dismaying experience!), but also with the fact that, as an adult, they're going to have to make their way in the world.
You worry their future could be spoiled if they don't get into the school of their dreams, which is why a lot of energy and anxiety gets put into grade-point averages and SATs. But, as a result, you might be unconsciously teaching your child to adopt those fears, as well.
No matter your child's age, it's only natural to want keep them close and safe - but there is such a thing as keeping your kid too close and safe.
Recently, there's a growing interest in "free-range parenting," in reaction to the "helicopter parenting" - where worried parents hover over their kids - of a few years ago.
With free-range parenting, you give your child the freedom to test themselves (and maybe even get hurt in the process) as a way to build their resilience and help them learn how to deal with stress.
All parents, but especially anxious ones, are painfully aware of the dangers the world may have in store for your kids. This is made worse by the constant barrage of terrifying news going at you all the time, from the television, to your phone, to your computer. The knowledge of what could happen haunts you.
It's bad enough to picture your child falling off the monkey bars or into a swimming pool. Now, you also have indelible images of little children fleeing from a shooter in school, and many of your "entertainment" programs include stories of child molestation and trafficking.
Never mind that the "bad guys" get their comeuppance by the end of the hour; the image is already implanted. It's enough to make you want to keep your child at home and never let them out of your sight.
"Helicopter" parenting is completely understandable.
But now you're being told that it's wrong - that children need to push the envelope; they need to take risks, and they need to learn how to lose with some equanimity.
"OK," you say, "but how am I going to be able to stand that?! It hurts me when he skins his knee - what if he breaks his leg? What if he's riding his bike and gets hit by a car?"
Nobody's helping you with your emotions. And when your emotions are mostly fear-based, you're likely to pass them on to your child as an unwanted, unconscious legacy. After all, your child learns from watching you, right?
The paradoxical answer to the question of how to deal with your fear as a parent is to take better care of yourself.
Think of every flight you've taken. Before it takes off, the flight attendant goes through a long list of "what-ifs" - how to fasten your seatbelt; how to behave if there's a water landing. And they also instruct you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.
In order to be of use to others, you have to be at your own best. You may know what to do, but not how to do it when your own mind is full of fear.
To parent a "free-range child," you first have to learn to manage yourself. And that means paying attention to your own habits and ways of thinking.
Although worry may feel like good preparation for disaster, it doesn't work that way. Worry is basically predicting the worst for your child. This is different from being prepared.
Being prepared is teaching your kid to fasten his seatbelt every time he's in the car, getting him in the habit of wearing a helmet while riding his bike, or looking both ways before crossing the street.
Worrying doesn't actually do anything for them except instill fear.
Your fear for your child's future makes your kid's own anxieties much worse, even when all the "right" words are said. If anything, unspoken anxiety comes across more powerfully than when it's put into words. And that anxiety often leads to worse, rather than better, performance.
So when you find yourself caught up in worry and anxiety, try to be aware that you're just making yourself miserable. Try instead to picture happy outcomes for your kid.
As a species, we are storytellers. And when you worry, you're telling yourself scary stories.
But you have the choice to change the narrative in your mind. Soothe yourself. Tell yourself comforting stories, not scary ones.
What I used to say to myself, over and over, when I worried about my daughter was, "She'll find her way." It quieted my fearful brain, and helped me to believe in my child's abilities. That not only helps you relax, but over time, it helps your child develop a desirable "growth mindset", too.
Not only is it okay to make mistakes both as a parent and a person, it's actually healthier for your kid!
So stop trying to be the overly perfect parent who caters to their child's every need. The "good-enough" parent fails their child regularly, in small ways.
But the good news is those failures help your child learn they can do things for themselves. So don't stress out because you think you're not good enough at parenting or protecting your child, and try more of a "free range-parenting" approach.
Focus instead on all of the ways you're actually succeeding and setting them up for success later on in life, and know that giving them what they need is a far better task than trying to worry about everything you can't do for them.
Cheryl Gerson is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified diplomate specializing in relationships and parenting. She has been in private practice in New York City for over 25 years. Call her for an in-depth conversation about the right treatment for you.
More from YourTango:
Why Trying To Overcome Your Anxiety Only Makes It Worse
50 Brilliant Techniques That'll Calm Stressed Kids Down IMMEDIATELY
Psst, Parents! 4 Surefire Ways To Avoid Stressing Out
These Huge Lego Sets Will Keep Your Kid Busy For an Entire Weekend (aka the Dream)
Some of my best childhood memories having grown up an only child are of spending a weekend reading an entire book or building a giant Lego set that would take hours to construct. Looking back on those marathon Lego-building sessions now from the perspective of my parents, they probably jumped for joy whenever I chose to spend my weekend that way for all the time they got to themselves.
So if you're in the market for a weekend alone(ish), check out these large Lego sets - including the epic Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle set - that will keep your little builder occupied for many, many hours. They also make for great holiday gifts, because every parent needs me time during the holidays, right?
Just Because You're Having a Baby Over 35 Doesn't Mean You're Old - Here's What You Should Know
When you think of the word "geriatric," what comes to mind? A nursing home? A broken hip? A slew of grandpas doing water aerobics, perhaps? We thought so! In a personal essay published in The Magnolia Journal, former HGTV star Joanna Gaines got real about what it's actually like being pregnant at 40 years old, and yes, the phrase "geriatric pregnancy" certainly came up.
Although Joanna admitted that she definitely felt more fatigued while carrying baby Crew compared to her four other pregnancies, she explained that having a child at 40 really doesn't have to feel impossible. And given recent socioeconomic trends, she's definitely not alone. Researchers have noted that more women are opting to have children later in life, which means that the number of geriatric pregnancies by medical terms is on the rise. And while there's no denying that having babies later in life does carry some risk - developing high blood pressure and giving birth prematurely to name a few - there are also benefits for mamas who fit right into that geriatric pregnancy category.
Read through to get some intel on this whole "geriatric pregnancy" thing - and try not to picture old men waving their hands around in the pool while you read.
Having a Baby Was the Thing That Finally Made Me Get Healthy
I've struggled with health for most of my life. In high school, I played sports but ate crappy food. In college, I was physically lazy but tried to maintain a healthy diet. I've never been able to quite get it right . . . that is, until I had a child of my own.
I always thought being pregnant and growing a life inside of me would be what flipped the switch to make me eat better and exercise regularly, but cravings got the best of me (I ate a whole sleeve of Oreo cookies for a snack once and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dinner another time). I also tried to work out during my pregnancy, but exhaustion set in, and I had plenty of excuses. So when did things finally change? The moment I laid eyes on my first child. And now that I have two children, my husband and I are more health-conscious than either of us has ever been before.
Health means something different to me now as a parent. It's less about how my body looks and more about how my body feels.
When our first baby was born, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. After some trial and error, we got into a groove. I went from just trying to make it through one day of nursing to doing it for a few weeks and then months. I started heavily researching the benefits of extended breastfeeding and came across baby-led weaning, which is a way to introduce solid foods without spoon or force-feeding. It also helps the baby self-regulate fullness, leading to creating healthy habits from early on.
I'll admit that I was terrified of feeding my baby the wrong things, so I began looking into healthier ways to feed myself and my family. I learned about the importance of taking processed foods out of our diet. We also both began walking daily and making it a point to be outside. We had a lot of conversations about how good we were beginning to feel and how we needed to keep it up to not only remain healthy for our baby but to teach her and any future children good habits.
But I was afraid that like all the other times I found something that worked for me, this wouldn't last. And while I can't say we haven't had dessert or eaten a bag of chips, we do remain on a healthy path. I know if I have those things in my house, I'll eat them in abundance, paying zero attention to serving size, so I just don't buy them. I fill our fruit basket regularly, we always have healthy snacks like nuts, raw vegetables, hummus, and avocados available, and we eat food that fuels our bodies.
One thing I had to really come to grips with was the fact that having a healthy body doesn't necessarily mean I have to have a supersweaty gym session. Daily walking and light stretching with small exercise movements are easy to fit into my routine and have really made a difference. And for me, being healthy doesn't mean I'm at my ideal weight (although I still strive to get there). It means I'm able to balance what I put in my body and that I take proper care of it by moving every day, however small it may seem. I don't beat myself up anymore when I don't spend an hour on the elliptical. Health means something different to me now as a parent. It's less about how my body looks and more about how my body feels.
Before, I would have only been able to preach about being healthy to my kids, but now I can actually show them and lead by example, which makes me proud. I had a lot of bad examples of watching my parents try fad diets while I was growing up, and we rarely did any type of exercise together as a family. So I'm being the change that I wanted to see back then. My family hikes, swims, bikes, and walks together, and we bond while cooking fresh and healthy meals. So, thank you, kids, for giving me the kick in the ass I needed to get (and stay) healthy.
These Are the Wine Gadgets You Didn't Know You Needed
Honestly, hearing the sound of a cork pop is sometimes the best part of our evening. Whether you're partial to red or white, having a glass of wine is a relaxing way to cap off the day. There are so many gadgets available to make your wine-drinking experience a more cohesive one, and we're excited to stock up. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
11 Stylish Breastfeeding Shirts You'll Still Want to Wear When You're Done Nursing
For many women who choose to do so, breastfeeding can be an important part of having a newborn. But while there are many benefits to breastfeeding, it's rarely convenient - or stylish! Having a cute breastfeeding top or sweater can not only help you feel and look great, but it also means you no longer have to dread the logistics of breastfeeding in public. Keep reading to shop some of our favorite stylish breastfeeding tops!
We Just Can't Get Bella Hadid's '90s Mesh Sandals Out of Our Heads
It's not unusual to see Bella Hadid in a slinky crop top. In fact, we're used to seeing the model's toned abs front and center when it comes to her sexy street style ensembles. Bella was spotted in NYC grabbing some dinner with her friends wearing a sophisticated suit. While styling a red crop top with an oversize suit was an interesting choice, it was her mesh sandals that instantly took us back in time to the '90s. She completed her look with a red ankle bracelet and a leopard-print belt. Keep scrolling to get a look at her amazing mules and buy similar versions for your wardrobe.
Kim Kardashian's Sexiest Shoes Have Us (and Probably Kanye West) Gasping For Air
Kim Kardashian and her sisters have a way of getting everyone's attention the second they step into a room. One thing in particular we've noticed about Kim's style is that she only wears sexy shoes. If you think we're kidding, hold on to your seats, because we've got proof.
Whether Kim is walking the Met Gala's red carpet with hubby Kanye West in custom Balmain outfits or simply running errands in lace-up booties, the starlet knows how to make our jaws drop. Ahead, you can find 10 of Kim's sexiest shoes and shop similar versions for your collection, too.
Shopbop Marked Down Hundreds of Dresses, but These Are Our 10 Favorites
We know and love Shopbop for its designer must haves, but have you checked out the site's sale section? It's really, really good. They mark down tons of items, so we narrowed it down for you and selected the best dress deals you need to see. Shop through the steals, and add one to your wish list.
All the Cozy Sweaters You Can Buy For Less Than $25 on Amazon
It's time to clear your closet and make some room for all your favorite Fall sweaters. This season, don't get stuck wearing the same old ones again and again. You can finally treat yourself to a few new pieces without overspending. We shopped on Amazon because the popular retailer has everything you could ever dream of, including stylish clothes. We rounded up 15 chic and cozy sweaters that you'll want to live in through Winter. The best part: they're all under $25, so you can get more than just one (or five). Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
These Are the 4 Top-Rated Sandals at Nordstrom - You're Welcome!
Sandals are Summer staples. We wear them any excuse we get, and there are so many different styles, colors, and fabrics, it's so hard to choose a favorite! Luckily, the shoppers at Nordstrom have rated their top four favorites; they're cute, comfortable, and versatile! Whether you're heading to a pool party or a wedding, we've got you covered. Just keep reading to shop!
These 9 Jackets Are Ridiculously Cool - and You Can Get 'em All on Amazon
Believe it or not, it's almost jacket season. Yes, that's right, it's time for jackets, and we're so excited. There are so many styles to choose from, it can feel overwhelming, but we've made it super simple. Whether you're looking for a lightweight topper or a heavier, warmer option, we've got you covered. Literally. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Our Prayers Have Been Answered - Jessica Lange Is Coming Back to American Horror Story!
The good news just keeps coming! Not only has American Horror Story already been renewed for its ninth and 10th seasons, but our prayers have finally been answered, because Jessica Lange is returning to the FX series. On Friday, Sarah Paulson confirmed at the TCA Summer press tour that Lange will be appearing in the upcoming eighth season of the show. Even though she did not reveal what role she will be playing, we have a feeling it's going to be good.
Lange starred in the first four seasons of AHS, but said she was "done" with the series after Freak Show in 2015. We're happy she's had a change of heart! Catch the eighth season of AHS when it premieres on FX on Sept. 12.
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