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 8 septembre 2018
These Are the 17 Absolute Best Concealers, According to Our Editors
If there was only one beauty product I could use for the rest of my life, it would be concealer. The miracle product makes me look awake and fresh faced while hiding any blemishes I may not be all that excited about. Concealer is such a personal product, and it can be so tough trying to match your shade with your skin concerns. So, I surveyed the editors at POPSUGAR, who know a thing or two about beauty. These are our absolute favorite concealers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.
Find Out Which Astrological Sign Has the Best Sex, According to a Recent Survey
Love is in the air for Aquarians. It seems those born under the 11th sign of the zodiac are enjoying the best sex, according to a new survey by sex toy company Lovehoney. The retailer polled 3,500 people from all 12 signs about their lives between the sheets and found that not only are Aquarians having the most frequent trysts with lovers, but they are also the most satisfied with their sex lives.
If you were born between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, your love life must be hot, hot, hot. According to the survey, you are exciting and unpredictable in bed and the most likely of the signs to buy a whip. If that sounds a little too Fifty Shades for you, take heart that according to the survey, you are also a loyal partner. Did you know Jennifer Aniston and Justin Timberlake are Aquarians? Just sayin'.
So who's having the most sex? The top five signs getting busy are:
- Aquarius
- Taurus
- Pisces
- Virgo
- Leo
Interestingly, the survey also found nearly half of the participants believe what astrology says about our lives and one in five people think one's sign is important for compatibility in a relationship. Other fun findings from the sexy survey include that most Pisces enjoy dressing up in the bedroom and Aries are the most likely to have experimented with (soft) bondage. Meanwhile, those born under the Cancer sign make sensual lovers and Libras like to get spanked!
Every Single Guest Dressed as a Disney Character at This Picture-Perfect Wedding
I don't care if your heart is as frozen as Elsa's castle - it's about to melt into a puddle of emotions when you see the lengths this couple went to to throw their ultimate Disney dream wedding. Garrett and Jason, aka Woody and Buzz, went all out with their Disney-themed big day, and no detail was ignored. The best part? Every single guest (including their dog) dressed in costume as a different Disney character. Honestly, we can't get over it. And coming in at a close second in our books is the themed tablescapes, each based on a different Disney movie (complete with VHS tape).
Garrett and Jason met at a friend's New Year's Eve party, and what they didn't know until their wedding day was that Garrett's parents and grandparents also met on New Year's Eve! It was meant to be. Here's what else Jason told us about their big Disney day. See all the photos (including their sweet wedding video!) ahead!
POPSUGAR: What was your favorite decorative or event detail of the day?
Jason: Probably the table decorations we made by hand. We obsessed over every detail for the past year. We used those classic Disney VHS clamshells to signify the table name and theme. We chose the VHS clamshells since we both had them and watched them so much they got wore out when we were kids. For the newer movies that were never released on VHS (such as Moana and Up), I designed the VHS covers for them. Each table had elements from the movie; it looked like the movie came to life on the table. There was at least one light-up or glow-in-the-dark element at each table to make it extra magical.
Another one of our favorite parts is our choreographed first dance. It was arranged and instructed by our great friend Alesha Bales, who weaved together a jazz version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" with a Spanish version of the song. She mixed elements from foxtrot, salsa, tango, and paso doble into the dance.
POPSUGAR: What was the most emotional moment of the day?
Jason: The ceremony, because Garrett cried, and he never does that! During our ceremony we had a mixing of the mai tai to signify the good, the bad, and all that comes with a marriage. We went with a mai tai since we love tiki drinks and we travel the country visiting tiki bars. The mai tai was also our signature drink for the wedding.
POPSUGAR: What inspired the overall look and theme of the wedding?
Jason: We had both been fans of Disney and Disney parks growing up. Garrett would frequently visit his friends who worked in the park, while I was inspired by the artists and Imagineers who influenced me to pursue a career in graphic design. But it wasn't until our first trip together to Disneyland that the love for Disney became more of an obsession.
POPSUGAR: Why did you decide to do Disney costumes?
Jason: We love Halloween, and we throw an elaborate themed party every year. We also enjoy Disneybounding and cosplay at Comic-Con. Family and friends must have thought we were crazy to have a costume wedding in the middle of August. But we were happily surprised that most all of our guests were really into it and dressed for the occasion, even our dog!
Garrett wanted to dress as Buzz and Woody because "You've Got a Friend in Me" is one of his favorite Disney songs, and he has known for a long time he wanted that to be the song he danced to as his first dance. So, of course, I had to be Sheriff Woody. Both characters are reminiscent of each of our personalities.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
Find Out Which Astrological Sign Has the Best Sex, According to a Recent Survey
Love is in the air for Aquarians. It seems those born under the 11th sign of the zodiac are enjoying the best sex, according to a new survey by sex toy company Lovehoney. The retailer polled 3,500 people from all 12 signs about their lives between the sheets and found that not only are Aquarians having the most frequent trysts with lovers, but they are also the most satisfied with their sex lives.
If you were born between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, your love life must be hot, hot, hot. According to the survey, you are exciting and unpredictable in bed and the most likely of the signs to buy a whip. If that sounds a little too Fifty Shades for you, take heart that according to the survey, you are also a loyal partner. Did you know Jennifer Aniston and Justin Timberlake are Aquarians? Just sayin'.
So who's having the most sex? The top five signs getting busy are:
- Aquarius
- Taurus
- Pisces
- Virgo
- Leo
Interestingly, the survey also found nearly half of the participants believe what astrology says about our lives and one in five people think one's sign is important for compatibility in a relationship. Other fun findings from the sexy survey include that most Pisces enjoy dressing up in the bedroom and Aries are the most likely to have experimented with (soft) bondage. Meanwhile, those born under the Cancer sign make sensual lovers and Libras like to get spanked!
Every Single Guest Dressed as a Disney Character at This Picture-Perfect Wedding
I don't care if your heart is as frozen as Elsa's castle - it's about to melt into a puddle of emotions when you see the lengths this couple went to to throw their ultimate Disney dream wedding. Garrett and Jason, aka Woody and Buzz, went all out with their Disney-themed big day, and no detail was ignored. The best part? Every single guest (including their dog) dressed in costume as a different Disney character. Honestly, we can't get over it. And coming in at a close second in our books is the themed tablescapes, each based on a different Disney movie (complete with VHS tape).
Garrett and Jason met at a friend's New Year's Eve party, and what they didn't know until their wedding day was that Garrett's parents and grandparents also met on New Year's Eve! It was meant to be. Here's what else Jason told us about their big Disney day. See all the photos (including their sweet wedding video!) ahead!
POPSUGAR: What was your favorite decorative or event detail of the day?
Jason: Probably the table decorations we made by hand. We obsessed over every detail for the past year. We used those classic Disney VHS clamshells to signify the table name and theme. We chose the VHS clamshells since we both had them and watched them so much they got wore out when we were kids. For the newer movies that were never released on VHS (such as Moana and Up), I designed the VHS covers for them. Each table had elements from the movie; it looked like the movie came to life on the table. There was at least one light-up or glow-in-the-dark element at each table to make it extra magical.
Another one of our favorite parts is our choreographed first dance. It was arranged and instructed by our great friend Alesha Bales, who weaved together a jazz version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" with a Spanish version of the song. She mixed elements from foxtrot, salsa, tango, and paso doble into the dance.
POPSUGAR: What was the most emotional moment of the day?
Jason: The ceremony, because Garrett cried, and he never does that! During our ceremony we had a mixing of the mai tai to signify the good, the bad, and all that comes with a marriage. We went with a mai tai since we love tiki drinks and we travel the country visiting tiki bars. The mai tai was also our signature drink for the wedding.
POPSUGAR: What inspired the overall look and theme of the wedding?
Jason: We had both been fans of Disney and Disney parks growing up. Garrett would frequently visit his friends who worked in the park, while I was inspired by the artists and Imagineers who influenced me to pursue a career in graphic design. But it wasn't until our first trip together to Disneyland that the love for Disney became more of an obsession.
POPSUGAR: Why did you decide to do Disney costumes?
Jason: We love Halloween, and we throw an elaborate themed party every year. We also enjoy Disneybounding and cosplay at Comic-Con. Family and friends must have thought we were crazy to have a costume wedding in the middle of August. But we were happily surprised that most all of our guests were really into it and dressed for the occasion, even our dog!
Garrett wanted to dress as Buzz and Woody because "You've Got a Friend in Me" is one of his favorite Disney songs, and he has known for a long time he wanted that to be the song he danced to as his first dance. So, of course, I had to be Sheriff Woody. Both characters are reminiscent of each of our personalities.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
You Will Love This Guide on How Tennis Scoring Works
If you've tuned in to US Open to catch the action but are feeling a little confused by what's happening on the court, don't fret. Tennis scoring can seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll feel like a seasoned fan. Here's a primer on scoring as the tournament heads toward the finals - so you can keep up with the matches!
The Framework
- Each tennis match is made up of two to three sets. To win a set, you must win at least six games.
- The games are scored starting at "love" (or zero) and go up to 40, but that's actually just four points. From love, the first point is 15, then 30, then 40, then game point, which wins the game.
Starting the Game
- To determine who serves first, you flip a coin or (more likely) spin a racket. Whoever wins the toss gets to decide one of four things: that she wants to serve first, that she wants to receive first, which side of the court she wants to start on (in which case, the opponent chooses who serves first), or that she wants to leave the choices up to her opponent.
- Whoever starts serving continues to serve until that game is over. Then the serve moves to the other player.
- You serve from behind the baseline, starting on the right-hand side of the court, anywhere between the singles sideline and the center mark on the court.
Scoring the Game
- Before serving, you should announce the score, with your score first, then your opponent's. So if you have zero and your opponent has 30, say "love-30."
- Every time you serve, you get two tries. The serve must go over the net, land in the service box opposite you, and bounce once before your opponent returns it.
- If it doesn't land in the service box, you take a second serve. If the second serve also misses, then you lose the point.
- If your serve grazes the net but still lands in the service box, the serve doesn't count, and you must take that serve over. This is called a "let."
- If your serve goes in and the opponent returns it, you continue hitting back and forth until someone hits the ball into the net, hits it out of bounds, or misses a shot. If that person is you, then your opponent gets a point. If it's your opponent who hits it into the net/hits it out of bounds/misses a shot, then you get the point.
- Whoever is serving continues serving until the score reaches 40, calling out the score before every serve.
- If the score is tied at 40 ("40-all"), that is "deuce," which is essentially another word for tie. To break the tie, someone must win two points in a row. If you are serving at deuce and you win the next point, then you say "my ad," which means "my advantage." If your opponent wins, it goes back to deuce, and someone again must win by two points in a row. Yes, this could go on forever.
- Once the game is over, the other person serves. After odd-numbered games (so after game one, game three, game five) you switch sides on the court.
Scoring a Set
- Before the first serve in each new game, whoever is serving announces the score in sets. Say your score first, then your opponent's. So if you won the first set, you would say "1-0."
- To complete a set, someone must win six games; the first person to win six games wins the set.
- However, as with "deuce," you must win a set by at least two games. So, if the score is 6-5, the person with 5 must win by two games. If the score ties at 6-6, you play a tiebreaker.
Scoring the Match
- The whole shebang is called a match. The match is determined by the best two out of three sets. So if you win two sets, you win. If you each win a set, then you play a third set to determine the winner.
8 Things You Need to Know About US Open Sensation Naomi Osaka
If you've been following all the action going on at the 2018 US Open (there's been a lot), you'll know that Naomi Osaka has been dominating the competition. The 20-year-old has been called the future of women's tennis, and we couldn't agree more. She's currently ranked number 17 in the world and has beat some of the best tennis players like Serena Williams at the 2018 Miami Open and Maria Sharapova at the BNP Paribas Open. Before she hits the court facing off with Madison Keys in the women's singles semifinals tonight, here are a few things you should know about the tennis sensation.
If Your Hamstrings Are Tight, You Need These 6 Stretches
If you run, bike, are desk-bound all day, or have been sitting in a car or plane traveling, your hamstrings could use some extra love and length. It not only feels good to stretch this commonly tight area, but hamstring flexibility is also important for the health of your back, hips, and knees. Here are six easy and essential stretches that target the backs of your legs. To avoid injury, it's best to do them at the end of a workout, when the muscles are warm.
I Haven't Eaten Dairy For 4 Years, and I've Experienced These 12 Massive Health Benefits
As a young animal lover, I stopped eating meat when I was 13 years old, and dairy was an absolute staple. I didn't think anything was wrong with it because it wasn't like the cows were being killed, right? Wrong. So wrong. It wasn't until four years ago, when I watched the documentary Vegucated, that I found out how inhumane the dairy industry is. I had no idea! Cows are artificially impregnated at an alarming rate, and after they gave birth, their babies are brutally taken away from them immediately and hooked up to a machine to give their milk to us. I was sobbing watching a farmer drag a newborn calf away from its mama while she screamed and tried to chase after it as they held her back.
I live in Vermont, where the joke is that there are more cows than people. I spoke to tons of small family farms to find out the truth. They all nodded. I was shocked that one very well-known organic farm explained, "The reason we separate the calf right away is so they don't bond. Already you can hear the moms and calves mooing to each other, and it'd be much worse if they stayed together." It made me sick. As a mother of two, my heart ached, and I felt compelled to give dairy up overnight.
Aside from feeling good about not supporting the cruel dairy industry, I had no idea how dramatically my life would improve over the past four years. Here are the amazing health benefits I experienced after going dairy-free.
Beyond the Lattes: 30+ Healthy Pumpkin Spice Treats, Snacks, and Foods
Whether you're ready or not, pumpkin spice season is upon us. And if you're a pumpkin fan but also livin' that healthy lifestyle, fear not: there's tons of stuff for you, too.
It's true, though - pumpkin spice flavors aren't just for Oreos and sugary lattes (although we don't mind those now and then!). From protein powders to flax-and-pumpkin-seed granolas to oatmeals and Greek yogurts, it seems like pumpkin spice has invaded some of our healthiest staples and snacks. We're not mad about it. 'Tis the season, right?
- Additional reporting by Christina Stiehl
Trying to Tone That Tummy? You'll Want to Nix These Carbs From Your Diet
Carbs: one of the most debatable food categories. There are tons of diets out there promoting an elimination or severe reduction of carbohydrates in our meals to help us lose weight. But are carbs good or bad for us? Can we eat them and still lose weight? Are they healthy? Do they contribute to belly fat?
There's a simple answer to all of these questions: not all carbs are created equal. Our bodies need carbohydrates and utilize them as a fuel source. However, while some carbs can help us reach our health goals, others should be avoided because they tend to be processed to the point where they serve little to no nutritional purpose in our diets and add unnecessary weight to our midsections. Most "bad" carbs are void of fiber, which isn't great for our weight-loss goals. Fiber helps us stay fuller longer, can reduce gut inflammation, and increases metabolism. As a certified holistic nutritionist, rather than telling my clients to eliminate carbs, I educate them on the ones that should be taken out of their diets to help them reach their health goals. There are five types of carbs I always recommend avoiding, especially for those who are trying to lose belly fat.
Welcome Fall With Our Picks of the Best Health and Fitness Products of the Season
The weather is changing and the days are getting shorter, which means Fall is coming. We're looking forward to cool morning runs, cozy long pants, and all the Autumn flavors (hello, apple and pumpkin!). Here are some of our favorite fitness picks to keep you moving and motivated this September.
On Keto and Craving Chipotle? Here's Exactly What You Should Order
If you're all in on the keto diet, you've already grieved a very dramatic breakup with Chipotle's warm, crunchy chips and overstuffed burritos. But even if your own menu has changed, you won't have much luck convincing your favorite food chains to stop tempting you with the carby goodness you're working so hard to avoid. When tacos come calling, use this guide to order a keto-friendly compromise.
The key is avoiding high-carb foods like rice, beans, and tortillas and replacing them with keto-approved foods like veggies and avocado. With just a few simple tips, you can put together a meal so tasty and filling, you'll (almost) forget about those chips. Here's how to do it:
- Start with a salad: You want the base of your meal to be a salad with romaine lettuce. From there, you get to have some fun.
- Add double meat: Any of Chipotle's meat options will work here. Try double chicken or a mix of chicken, beef, and pork.
- Pile on the veggies: Fajita veggies are your friend. Lots of food and very few carbs.
- Swap salad dressing for salsa: Red or green salsa will give your salad flavor, without tacking on carbs.
- Make it cheesy and creamy: Shredded cheese, queso, and sour cream will up the fat content of your meal, so why not have all three?
- Get the guac: Avocado is everyone's favorite healthy fat and worth the upcharge. Adding fat to your meal will leave you feeling fuller, longer.
- Skip everything else: There are a few salad toppings you should pass on because of their carb content. These include the honey vinaigrette dressing, rice, beans, and corn salsa. You'll also have to forgo that side of chips, but you already knew that.
Get a 6-Pack With This Trainer's Intense 7-Move Ab Workout
Warning: this ab workout is no joke. This circuit features advanced movements that will build strength and definition in your abs. You can do this ab circuit alone or program it into one of your existing workouts. The only rules are to work hard and perform every rep with great form.
The Workout
Because this is a circuit workout, you'll take little to no rest in between each exercise. Complete four rounds of the ab circuit, taking 90 seconds to two minutes of rest in between each round.
- Plank With Knee Tap: 10 reps
- Medicine Ball Slam: 20 reps
- Hanging Leg Raise: 10 reps
- TRX Knee Tucks: 12 reps
- TRX Pikes: 12 reps
- Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Carry: 20 steps forward or 20 feet
- Cable Crunch: 15 reps
Keep reading for the specifics on each move.
11 Decadent Brownie Recipes With Healthy Benefits to Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving
Not quite a cookie, but not yet a cake, there's something so satisfying about a brownie. Whether you like them dense and fudgy or light and cakey, there's a healthy recipe for you here. And we've thought of everything; there are recipes that are vegan, raw, gluten-free, Paleo, and absent of refined sugars, too.
- Additional reporting by Susi May
These 5 Foods Might Be Causing More Than Tummy Problems - They Might Be Giving You Bad Skin
You've heard that old saying that goes "you are what you eat." While this saying cannot be taken literally, it is important to understand that everything we eat - whether it is healthy smoothies or green juices, fast food burgers or ice cream cones - does hold the power to affect our bodies in different ways.
"Your diet is the number-one source for skin trouble," says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. "Most people don't realize that skin directly correlates to our digestive system. If we eat something we can't digest or have trouble digesting, the body will try and use your skin to detox. That's why we break out after eating certain foods."
Studies have shown that there is indeed a link between dermatology and nutrition, revealing that certain diets can cause skin to react by causing inflammation, acne, dryness and more. With this in mind, here are five of the worst foods you can eat for your skin, according to experts.
Amazon Reviewers Can't Stop Raving About These 5 Top-Rated Sports Bras
One of our favorite ways to shop is by reading customer reviews. It's the best way to learn unbiased information about the products you're about to buy. Plus, you can relate to other people's personal experiences. If you're on the hunt for a new sports bra, we know it's not always easy to find the perfect fit. To save you both time and money, we scoured Amazon for its most affordable and highest-rated picks, so all you have to do it shop. Whether you're looking for an underwire choice or something strappy with medium support, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to see what reviewers love and find your perfect match.
Chrissy Teigen Gets Real About Her Exercise Routine and Diet - Girl, We Can Relate
There's a lot of things we love about Chrissy Teigen, and her transparency is at the top of the list. You can always count on Chrissy to keep it real, whether she's talking about politics, sharing her postpartum mesh underwear, or just cooking naked.
In the October issue of Women's Health, Chrissy talked about her new cookbook, taking care of her mental health, and appreciating and loving her new body, and she dished on her diet and exercise routine.
Chrissy isn't one to drink bogus teas to lose weight, follow fad workouts, or obsess over how many calories she's eating. Instead, she's approaching health and wellness her way, and we're here for it.
Cher Reveals How She Maintains Her Sculpted Butt at 72 - Hint: Squats Are Involved
Cher is a freakin' force of nature. At 72 years old, she just starred in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and will soon embark on a jam-packed North American tour to promote the ABBA tribute film. Oh, but before that, she's banging out a quick residency in Las Vegas, performing in the City of Sin every few nights throughout November. Pretty darn impressive, right?
So how does the Goddess of Pop make it through such a rigorous schedule without, well, passing out? Not surprisingly, she works out a lot to stay in shape, which she told Ellen DeGeneres during a recent appearance on her talk show. After humble-bragging to Ellen that she can plank for a solid two minutes "without a sweat," the singer described her weekly workout routine as "not every day, but a lot of times." When Ellen asked about her go-to butt exercises, the entertainer explained one of her favorites. "You get down on all fours and you put your leg up and make an 'L' with your leg; you just do it up like that, and then you do fire hydrants," she said while making the motions with her arms. She does three sets of 25 for each of those booty-lifting moves, the singer told Ellen.
On top of that, Cher does "old-fashioned things" like squats, and also enjoys Zumba, using an at-home tape to follow along with the dance-based cardio workouts. Well, dang - it looks like we just found our new fitness inspiration! Watch Cher's Ellen interview below to hear more about how she stays in shape.
Want to Try the Whole30 Diet? Here's Everything You Can and Cannot Eat
With so many diets out there today, it can be overwhelming choosing the right nutrition regimen for yourself. If you're not sure which one to go with, the Whole30 plan might be a good place to start since it's only a 30-day commitment. The goal of the Whole30 diet is to eliminate certain food groups that might have a negative effect on your health - not just weight - from mysterious aches to chronic fatigue. Then, after the 30 days are up, you'll hopefully have a better idea of which foods you should permanently cut out and which ones you can reintroduce to your diet.
Unlike many diets that focus on eating less, the Whole30 diet emphasizes eating healthier, which might make it the most sustainable diet yet.
Avril Lavigne Updates Fans on Battle With Lyme Disease: "Those Were the Worst Years of My Life"
Avril Lavigne has kept mostly out of the spotlight since she announced her Lyme disease diagnosis back in 2015. Now, the "Complicated" singer has updated fans on her battle with Lyme disease in a letter to her fans on her website.
"I spent the last few years at home sick fighting Lyme Disease," she wrote. "Those were the worst years of my life as I went through both physical and emotional battles." She also revealed that she's releasing new music for the first time in five years - music that's influenced by her struggles with her illness. Her first single is titled "Head Above Water."
Although Avril gave a happy update on her Lyme disease in 2015, it hasn't been an easy journey for the singer. She said she wrote "Head Above Water" during one of the "scariest" moments of her life. "I had accepted death and could feel my body shutting down," she wrote in the letter.
Now, Avril is using her experience to shed light on the dangers of Lyme disease and help others prevent the same outcome.
"I have decided to be truthful about my struggle, open and more vulnerable than ever before. And to be honest, part of me doesn't want to talk about being sick because I want it to all be behind me, but I know I have to. Because not only is it a part of my life," she wrote. "I need to bring awareness to the severity of Lyme Disease. A single bug bite can f*ck you up hard." She went on to explain that Lyme must be treated almost immediately and many people go untreated or find a hard time getting a diagnosis.
She started The Avril Lavigne Foundation, which supports people with Lyme disease, serious illness, and disabilities by providing funding and education. In her letter, Avril announced that her foundation's website provides Lyme prevention resources to connect with doctors who specialize in Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment. She also revealed that her foundation will be partnering with scientific teams to conduct more research on the disease.
Although Avril has had a difficult battle with Lyme, it's amazing that she's using her experience to educate and help others. We can't wait to hear her new music and wish her a continued recovery.
11 Low-Carb Fruits to Get You Through the Keto Diet
If you're on the keto diet, then you know that it's all about high-fat and low-carb foods. Unfortunately, that limits your fruit consumption because fruits contain sugar and sugar contains carbohydrates. However, there's still a pretty wide range of fruits that are low enough in carbs for you to literally make a fruit salad - the only caveat is that you wouldn't be able to eat too much of it, but sharing is caring, right?
According to Dr. Jason Axe, the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates in order for your body to go and stay in ketosis is 30 to 50 grams. If you're a fruit-lover, we've compiled a list of fruits that contain well under 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice of watermelon, or throw a handful of blueberries in your full-fat yogurt. Read through to see what other fruits are low in carbs, along with some keto-friendly recipe ideas.
These Are the 50 Best Ab Moves For a Chiseled 6-Pack (Plus 5 Ab Workout Videos!)
You can diminish belly fat with good nutrition, but once your waist is slim, you'll want to reveal strong, chiseled abs. These are the most effective moves to get you a six-pack. From bodyweight exercises to moves with dumbbells, choose five or more to create your own core-carving routine. Or, follow along to the last five videos included.
A Trainer's 6 Top Tips For How to Stop Overeating
If you're in the habit of eating way past the point of fullness, or if cleaning your plate has become a daily occurrence, it can lead to bloating and weight gain. If you struggle with that cycle of overeating, NASM-certified personal trainer Sam Altieri shared these six strategies in an Instagram post to get you back on track to listening to your body and eating until you're satiated, not stuffed.
"Breaking the habit may not be easy at first," Sam wrote in her caption. "It most likely won't vanish overnight, but if you're patient, work on it one meal at a time, and focus on getting better at understanding your body and hunger cues, you can (and will) make progress!" Here's how.
Let Your Inner Diva Loose With The Fitness Marshall's Newest Dance Video to "Eastside"
The Fitness Marshall just switched it up on us with his latest dance routine to "Eastside" by Khalid. The song is giving us Caribbean vibes and all the feels as we transition out of Summer and into Fall. The tempo is slightly slower than TFM's other routines, but the sexy level is still at an all-time high.
"This one is sneaky because it's all chill and then BAM - super-diva pop star poses! Let loose and dance on the rooftop of New York City in the rain," TFM told POPSUGAR.
Check out TFM's sexy moves in the video above.
I Chronically Sweat in My Sleep, and These Linen Sheets Changed Everything
Call it weird, but I love nothing more than bundling up in every blanket possible before bed. I almost always sleep in pajamas pants and a baggy old t-shirt that seems like it belonged in my high-school gym class. Add all my blanket layers on top of that, and yeah . . . you can say I sweat a lot in my sleep. No matter how much my boyfriend tries to convince me to sleep with just one blanket or in shorts, I can't do it. Maybe I'm alone in this, but I like being hot and sweaty in my sleep.
A little over a year ago, we invested in a Casper mattress, and it was the best thing we ever did; I'm a huge fan. Recently, I discovered Casper now has linen sheets ($200-$230), which are more breathable than the god-knows-what material my old $20 ones are. I jumped on the chance of trying them out. I know from articles I've written that linen sheets are much more breathable and airy and might help a sweaty person like myself.
I slept so well - like one of those nights where you wake up and don't remember falling asleep.
Upon arrival, I have to say, the material scared me a bit. It was a little rougher than my silky old mystery sheets. I gave them a quick wash and dry, which softened them up. After climbing into my fresh-out-of-the-dryer warm sheets, my mind completely changed and I fell in love with them. The texture was not something I was used to, but they were so cozy and lightweight and instantly felt airy.
I woke up the next morning for the first time in a long time without sweat-soaked pajamas. I slept so well - like one of those nights where you wake up and don't remember falling asleep. I was so warm and cozy but not sweaty. It felt like a miracle. Even my boyfriend can't stop raving about them (and I'm the sweaty one). I'm already planning on picking up the matching Casper Duvet Cover ($170-$230).
If you or your partner can relate to this sweaty story, do yourself a favor and try this sheet set. You won't regret it. Keep scrolling to shop the whole linen collection.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
Target Is Already Selling So Much Halloween Decor, and the Little Kids Inside of Us Are Screaming
Whether Halloween is a time for you to dress up in a scary costume and frighten the crap out of yourself (and your family), or you truly enjoy the giving component that comes with passing delicious candy out to trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, Oct. 31 likely holds a special place in your heart. You'll be particularly excited to learn then that Target has already started stocking decorations for this fine holiday, and they're so good. Cover your windows in creepy cobwebs, and get the house ready for a party - all of the ghosts and goblins you can handle are right this way.
8 Signs That You’re Definitely a Lawnmower Parent
Although the term lawnmower parenting - describing moms and dads who will do just about anything to ensure their kids don't have to deal with any type of struggle - isn't new, a teacher's viral essay on the subject has brought the parenting style into the spotlight. According to the anonymous teacher: "Lawnmower parents go to whatever lengths necessary to prevent their child from having to face adversity, struggle, or failure. Instead of preparing children for challenges, they mow obstacles down so kids won't experience them in the first place."
Know a parent or two like this? Possibly yourself? Read through for the signs that you're most definitely giving off those lawnmower parent vibes (and if you want to kick the habits, read more about how not to be a lawnmower parent).
My Kids Are Too Young For Halloween, but I Bring Them Trick-or-Treating Anyway
Many parents opt out of taking their babies trick-or-treating on Halloween. I get it. The kids are too small, they won't remember a thing, they can't walk up to a house and ask for candy, and you feel a little bad splurging on an adorable costume that definitely won't fit them for more than a week. But if you're on the fence about taking your littlest ones door-to-door this year, I'm here to tell you that it can also be totally worth it.
No, they won't remember their first time trick-or-treating, but they will have those obnoxious family photos with our matching costumes to look back on.
For my son's first Halloween, he was only five months old, so I debated whether or not I should take him trick-or-treating. Bringing him meant I had to carry him, and if he was in a costume, that would make things even more of a challenge. It also meant that my husband and I had to do all the actual trick-or-treating while he smiled and charmed everyone. But as most first-time parents know, we really wanted to show him off. So, after a little bit of thought and a lot of costume searching, we dressed him up in a Detroit Tigers costume. He couldn't have looked any cuter. My husband, in-laws, and I walked the streets and took turns having him strapped inside the baby carrier or planted on our hip. People kept stopping us and commenting about how cute he was, and to be honest, hearing those things all night made me so happy. My son was all smiles at every new face that looked his way (many of whom were in costumes), and even though he won't remember it, I like to think that gave him a really good foundation for fun Halloween memories. So, after that first successful year, we decided to do it again when we had our daughter.
We immediately became that family of four that wears matching themed costumes. Cheesy, I know, but I just can't help myself. It's so fun! On my daughter's first Halloween, we all went as part of the Curious George crew. My husband was The Man with the Yellow Hat, I was Professor Wiseman, my almost 2-year-old son was Curious George himself, and our baby daughter was a banana. She definitely won't remember her first time trick-or-treating with her big brother, but she will have those obnoxious family photos with our matching costumes to look back on, and that's more than worth it to me. The photos will serve as a reminder of the early days when my husband and I were just starting to build our very own family traditions.
I understand why some parents don't want to bring their babies trick-or-treating, but I definitely don't think those who do should be shamed because of it. Yes, it's a lot of work and the weather rarely cooperates, but it's also about spending quality time together as a family. And those photos (of matching costumes or not) will last a lifetime for both you and your children. You'll be able to look back on them and tell your kids all about their very first Halloween, and that's something they'll always remember.
5 Ways to Kick Your Lawnmower Parenting Ways ASAP
As moms and dads, our first reaction to learning that our children have a problem is to make it better . . . fast. While protecting our brood from harm is a completely normal reaction, it seems that recently, we've been going a little overboard. And no, we're not talking about your run-of-the-mill helicopter parent. There's a new unflattering trend in town, lawnmower parenting, and it's arguably 10 times worse than hovering around your kid.
So what exactly is lawnmower parenting? According to a now-viral essay written by a teacher, it's a "troubling trend" where moms and dads do everything in their power to ensure their kids never have to face a stitch of adversity or face a challenge head-on, even if it means cutting out of work midday, skipping their hair appointment, or canceling a lunch with friends.
Not sure if you fit the lawnmower parenting profile? Then consider the personal story referenced in the teacher's essay:
"Recently, I was called down to the main office in the middle of my planning period," the teacher explained. "I needed to pick up an item that a parent dropped off for their child. Thinking it was something like an inhaler or money for dinner, I was happy to go retrieve it. When I got to the front office, the parent was holding out a S'well bottle for me."
Who was holding the water bottle? Her doting dad, who stopped by on his way to drop it off, of course.
"'Hi, sorry,' the parent said sheepishly. He was in a suit, clearly headed to work (or something work-like). 'Remy kept texting me that she needed it. I texted back, Don't they have water fountains at your school?, but I guess she just had to have it out of the bottle.' He laughed, as if to say, Teenagers, am I right?"
Sound familiar? If so, scroll through to see how you can nip your lawnmower parenting habits right in the bud. Trust us, your kids will be better off for it in the long run.
The 4 Types of Phrases That Will Bring Down Your Daughter's Self-Esteem
The things we say to our kids, no matter how flippant or in passing, can have lasting effects on their health. For parents of a girl, especially, there are several types of phrases that can lower your daughter's self-esteem and confidence, make her feel insecure about her body, and influence her self-worth. We all have the best intentions, but unfortunately, many of the aforementioned phrases tend to be fairly commonplace, with some parents not even realizing that they're harming their girls by uttering them.
Parents have such a huge influence on their kids and how they feel about themselves, so it's important to ensure that they know you're supportive of them no matter what, you love them for who they are, and you're available to talk honestly about anything. "Even though kids are so reliant on their peers for feedback when they're in their teens, what her parents think of her matters just as much as it ever did," Mary Rooney, PhD, told the Child Institute.
To help raise your girl with confidence, a positive body image, self-love, and the notion that she can do and be whatever she'd like, avoid the following types of potentially harmful and hurtful phrases.
Trainers, Battle On! There's a New Pokémon Coming to Build-a-Bear, and We Gotta Catch It
Thought you were out of the woods with your kiddo's Pokémon craze? You may want to think again, because Build-a-Bear just announced it's releasing a brand-new Alolan Vulpix Build-a-Bear ($60 for the bundle), and to say it's gorgeous would be a massive understatement.
Just like the rest of Build-a-Bear's Pokémon line, the Alolan Vulpix bundle comes with its very own TCC card. And how can you not be completely obsessed with the Alolan Vulpix Cape ($13, if purchased separately)? It's the perfect outfit for this ice-loving creature.
Word to the wise: don't let its cute appearances fool you - it can totally kick butt! Score your own Alolan Vulpix Build-a-Bear on Sept. 13 in stores or online. Scroll through to scope out Build-a-Bear's other Pokémon as well.
18 Creative Costumes For Expectant Mamas
It's time to play dress up with your bump! Halloween may normally be all about the cute kiddo costumes, but pregnant ladies have an awfully fun - and relatively rare - opportunity to dress up their bump.
Whether a mama-to-be is in the market for cute, sexy, comfy, or homemade, there are plenty of options to accessorize that belly. (All that tasty snack food isn't a bad incentive to get out of the house, either.)
Keep reading for a selection of costumes made to fit a fully expanded waistline.
I Hate It When Strangers Touch My Baby's Hands - Am I the Only One?
Before I talk about what I consider to be the ultimate sin against situational awareness, let me start by saying, I get it. When I take my infant son out and about, I love it when people peek inside his stroller. I think he's adorable, and it warms my heart when others do, too. And I also always want to get a glimpse of a new baby out in public. I've totally been known to break my neck trying to look into a fellow mama's stroller at the grocery store. But a quick look and a smile should be where this interaction with my infant ends. I'm a protective mom and I don't know you, and touching my baby, especially on his hands, isn't OK.
The other day at the food store, the woman checking us out was admiring my baby when, before I could block her, she reached over and started stroking the back of his hand. All I could think about was the many items she touched that day, which were touched by scores of other people, who may have been sick or come in contact with someone else who was sick. Next, I mentally pictured the countless times my son puts his hands in his mouth every hour. I nearly fell over, but not before I barked, "DON'T TOUCH HIS HANDS!" While I felt bad for how harsh I must have sounded, this really upset me. My son is too little to have received many of his vaccines, and while I know she didn't mean any harm, she could have caused some.
And this wasn't an isolated incident. A man from our neighborhood took it upon himself to mock shake hands with my little guy, and a total stranger put her hand on his at a restaurant. Each time this happens, I automatically assume that the potentially germ-ridden, unwelcomed hand-toucher has no concept of boundaries, even if that's not true. While I know they're just trying to be nice and make my little guy smile, they enter his personal space without reservation. I'm usually left with my jaw hanging open, wondering if I'm the only person who thinks it's wrong to make unsolicited physical contact with a baby that isn't yours. Well, I know I'm not the only person, but I also understand not all parents are as germaphobic as me.
Sorry in advance to my son, who I'm probably training to be as neurotic as his mom! But after too many of these encounters, I'm left wondering if I should create a sign to hang on his stroller asking folks not to touch him. I know that seems rude and presumptuous, but I also don't know what else to do. I don't want to snap at strangers, most of whom are just trying to be nice, but I also don't want people to keep getting too handsy with a baby whose health it is my sworn duty to protect. So, while I know a little contact is OK for some parents, a simple smile and nod would make this very protective mother breathe a lot easier.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
My Kid Started Kindergarten, and I Feel Like Less of a Mom
My five-year mission as a stay-at-home mom is winding down. My only child has started kindergarten, and after dropping him off in the morning and wiping away the tears (my tears, not his), I'm just . . . me. I have time to think some actual thoughts that don't involve goldfish crackers or Paw Patrol, like, "Do I go back to what I was doing before? Do I want to start a new career? Should I begin scrapbooking?" The only problem with these child-free thoughts is that I don't want to think them. I'm not liking this change at all.
With my son now at school, these long days are making me feel like less of a mom, which, in turn, is making me feel like less of a person.
Kindergarten has rocked my world of expectations. Out of the two of us, I expected my son to have the more difficult transition into a full day of school, but it's his mother who's having a rough go of it. This is clearly due to all of this newfound "me time" that I'm not enjoying as much as I feel like I should. Ironically, I can clearly recall days where I would have given my right arm in order to just pee alone. Now, I have whole days to myself, and they overwhelm me.
"When he starts kindergarten, he's gone," I confided to my mom. "That went by so fast." "It always does," was her all-knowing response.
I waited a long time to be a mother, and I'm so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Now, I'm not ready to let it go. More to the point: I'm not ready to let him go. Kindergarten has been a showstopper. My son is now on his path to becoming a true independent kid (as he should be), but it's a heart-dropping reminder that my job criteria is shifting. I loved my job the way it was. But with my son now at school, these long days are making me feel like less of a mom, which, in turn, is making me feel like less of a person.
Maybe if I took the time to answer all of these big girl questions that are popping up, I'd see things differently. I'd start to feel like a woman with a new purpose instead of a person who used to be a full-time mom. Maybe I want to try my hand at a new career? Maybe I want to go back to school and learn some cool stuff? Does my son's kindergarten have any openings? (I'm kidding . . . sort of.) But giving any of these life-changing questions concrete answers will only serve to remind me that my life is indeed changing. Kindergarten is taking my little guy further from me, and there's a sadness in this that I wasn't expecting. I've never been good with change - counting it or otherwise. I miss being my kid's full-time mother.
Since I keep avoiding these very questions, I may not be ready to answer them. Not yet, anyway. I know I can't avoid them forever, because change is happening whether I want it to or not. While I'm waiting to get used to my new part-time mom position, I look forward to picking up my 5-year-old from school and talking to him about his day. I look forward to being his mother. I cherish these parenting moments even more because I can sense how fleeting they truly are. This is where I'm beginning to find a balance between my two selves.
Perhaps the change I need to embrace is closer than that elusive quarter stuck between our couch cushions: maybe I'm not less of myself when my son is away, perhaps I'm just more of myself when he is near.
15 Must-Have Decorations From Walmart That Will Make Your Halloween Party Next-Level Thrilling
Growing up with a father who was essentially a horror movie addict, getting the house decorated for Halloween was one of the things I looked forward to the most every year. That's how I know that gearing up for Halloween can be a full-time job, whether you're hosting an over-the-top party or are just planning on doling out the good stuff to your usual gaggle of trick-or-treaters.
But you know what really ups the ante in the spooky department? A few really amazing decorations that have scary written all over them. So whether you're going all out with evil witches and terrifying ghouls or you're just sticking with a few nonthreatening spiders for the preschool crowd, Walmart's literally got all the options and then some.
Scroll through to get a look at some of our favorite decorations for the 2018 season.
This Is When You Can Send Your Child Back to School After They Have Lice
"Your child has lice." These are words that every parent dreads. Just the thought of lice on anyone's head makes me itch all over my body and want to take a match to my entire house, but when it's my own kid, that's a whole different (itchy) stress level. While there are precautions you can take to try and protect your little ones from the tiny bugs, they usually creep in anyway. From sleepovers to selfies to kids playing together, those little buggers can spread faster than a forest fire.
While new school policies have emerged in the last few years that suggest you should keep your child in school regardless of the stage of their lice to avoid missing important learning lessons (just, no), many parents keep their child home to avoid being that person who causes an outbreak. And if you do keep them home, one important question that you may have once things are under control is, "When can they go back to school?"
According to Lice Clinics of America, the answer is quite simple. When there are no more "live lice" still within the hair or scalp, you may send your child back to their classmates because the eggs (or nits) can't be spread. School districts used to use the "no nit" policy, but many have moved past that because they now understand that only live lice can be spread from classmate to classmate.
While your child getting lice definitely isn't a pleasant experience, it also isn't the end of the world. The stigma of a child acquiring lice is slowly evaporating. According to the Lice Clinics of America, because schools have been dealing with this problem forever, parents shouldn't at all feel embarrassed if their child is struck with the itchy infestation. Just be sure to follow the steps to get rid of it and keep your child home from school if there are live lice. Further, the Lice Clinics of America also recommend pulling your child's hair back regularly and encouraging them not to share hats or clothing with their classmates.
10 Scarily Cute Tees For Lazy Halloween Moms
If you're not a Halloween person, the holiday can be a real struggle once you become a mom . . . mostly because it's pretty much guaranteed your kids are going to be totally into it (hello, free candy!). Their dedication to the spookiest day of the year means you're basically forced to buy into it, too. But if donning your own costume is just one step too far down the Halloween rabbit hole, don't worry. Rock one of the following 10 Halloween-themed tees and maintain your dignity while still showing your trick-or-treat-loving kids that you are supportive of the one day of the year they're allowed to take candy from strangers.
From sweet to subversive, cheap to expensively chic, keep reading to find the Halloween tee that will speak to the witch, ghoul, or ghost inside of you.
-- Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown
I'm Left-Handed, and These Pens on Amazon Prime Have Changed My Life
Being left-handed, I know the struggle to get through a day of classes can be real. The desks aren't designed for lefties, we get ink smudges everywhere, and notebook rings are always in the way. Luckily, there are some clever products that make life a little easier. One of my favorite picks is the Maped Visio Left-Handed Ballpoint Pen ($7, set of three). The best part is that you can snag them on Amazon Prime and get them delivered in as little as two days.
What makes this pen design so great is the curved hand grip - it guides lefties away from their writing, avoiding smudging. It also makes writing more comfortable since you're not focused on keeping your hand out of the way. This pack comes with a black, blue, and red pen - ideal for an assortment of assignments. I am years out of college, but I still use these pens all the time. I never get pen marks on my hand anymore, which used to be a regular occurrence.
If you know someone who is left-handed, give them these pens and they'll be thanking you for years to come. I'm ordering another pack right now!
Wanna Be the Coolest Halloween House on the Block? Stop Carving Pumpkins and Do This Instead!
I will fully admit that I am not a fan of Halloween, in general. I've been known to put my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving and to decorate my house for Easter (who can deny the cuteness of bunnies?!), but Halloween has never really been my thing.
However, I do very much like two things: my two kids and any excuse for a party. The former do not seem to share my disdain for the strange combo of scary and sugarcoated that is Halloween, and their love of the holiday has forced me to also get minimally on board since they became old enough to realize that all those pumpkins on people's porches actually meant something. I, of course, put them in cute costumes, which they wear while walking around our neighborhood asking for candy, which I then attempt to covertly hide so they don't go into sugar comas. Fun, right?
Until last year, I was basically participating in Halloween while still not really enjoying it. And then we moved into a new house, in a neighborhood full of young families who quickly informed me that my home's previous owners were all about Halloween, passing out popcorn, beer, hot chocolate, full-size candy bars, and more than 200 hot dogs every year. Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Of course, as the mother of two small children, I've learned to accept my limitations and ask for help. I enlisted a new neighbor friend to do the hot dogs and another to do the popcorn, but the booze and the sweet stuff I was all over. I called in a few friends to let me borrow their Crock-Pots and started stirring up drinks.
For the kids, I whipped up two batches of No Biggie's creamy Crock-Pot hot chocolate. It was gone within the first hour of trick-or-treating, and while I was sad to disappoint many a child who'd heard a rich molten chocolate drink was being served on my front lawn, only to find my stash depleted, my ego was boosted by how big of a hit it was while it lasted. This year, I'm making four batches.
For the parents, I set up a cooler of beer, which no one touched until my trick-or-treating afterparty (more on that later). What did get a big response? My hot apple cider, spiked with salted caramel vodka (find a similar recipe here - I skipped the brown sugar). I filled up disposable, lidded coffee cups with the stuff, and not a single parent turned me down when I asked if they wanted one. Many came back for more.
Since Halloween was unseasonably warm last year, I set up a folding table on my front lawn and served everything there, next to my bowl of snack-size candy bars. I am a firm believer that three small candy bars is way more fun than one full-size one . . . plus, did I mention I was giving out hot chocolate and booze?!
Once it got dark, my neighbors brought over their leftover popcorn and hot dogs and we had a little afterparty, dipping into that stash of beer and giving the kids flashlights to play tag and tell ghost stories with. It was a great party and a perfect night, even if it is my least favorite holiday. I might not be a Halloween person, but being the Halloween party house? That I kind of love.
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