Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 5 octobre 2018
These Makeup Tutorials From Each Decade Are Perfect For Halloween
Landing on a Halloween costume can be an impossible task, especially when you love makeup and want to try it all. If you haven't quite decided which costume will suit your mood this year, consider following one of these makeup tutorials, explaining cosmetic trends throughout the decades. That way, you can have a truly impressive costume without needing the special FX makeup training that seems to be required of scarier costumes.
Ahead, you'll find historic beauty looks from each decade, ranging from the 1900s to the 2000s.
Feel Like Khaleesi With These Game of Thrones Beauty Products
Fighting a drawn-out war over the Iron Throne probably doesn't leave much time to focus on fashion and beauty for the characters of Game of Thrones. Fortunately for us, we get to watch their adventures from the comfort of the real world, where the unique and creative aesthetics of the world of Westeros have inspired countless style and beauty products for several brands.
If you're looking to add a little bit of Highgarden or Winterfell to your style, then you've come to the right place! We've put together a list of all the most amazing products inspired by Game of Thrones. While you wait out the hiatus until season eight, pick up one for your binge-watching buddy . . . and maybe one for yourself as well.
What Exactly Is a Dry Oil Spray? It's the Missing Ingredient Your Hair Is Craving
Imagine a product that controls frizz, enhances your hair's natural shine, protects from heat styling, keeps static at bay, and is easy to use. If you think that only exists in your dreams, think again. Dry oil spray is the latest innovation that has the beauty world buzzing. Just a few sprays produces shinier, softer hair - like magic. Just keep reading to shop our picks. Your hair won't know what it's been missing.
jeudi 4 octobre 2018
I Tested Orangetheory's New Heart Rate Monitor, and It Makes the Workout 10 Times Better
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Orangetheory Fitness. I used the HIIT-style cardio and strength training workout to get in shape for my wedding, and it got me comfortable with lifting weights again. But in the nearly two years since I quit my membership, I have only taken the class a handful of times, usually when I'm traveling and the city has an OTF studio (and since there are more than 1,000 locations around the world, that's most places I travel to).
So when Orangetheory reached out to see if I wanted to test out its technology, I was pumped. I was still a little trepidatious about the running part after the treadmill tripping incident that shall not be named but knew it would be a good workout. After getting an intro to all the new technology from the chief technology officer and chief brand officer, we got to test it out during a modified 45-minute class. Here's what Orangetheory rolled out:
OTbeat Burn
When I first joined Orangetheory, the only wearable technology that was accessible was the OTbeat Core, which is the band you wear around your chest underneath your sports bra. It tracks your heart rate and uses that data to determine which of the five zones you're in: gray, blue, green, orange, or red. Shortly after, the brand introduced the OTbeat Flex, which can be worn on your forearm and also tracks your heart rate. Both of these devices are used to determine your Splat points (how many minutes you spent in the orange and red zones during class) and can track your calorie burn.
The new OTbeat Burn, however, tracks not only your Splat points and calories, but also your steps and distance. It can be worn on your wrist, forearm, or bicep. And you don't need to just wear it to class; your OTbeat Burn can track your data outside of the studio by connecting to the mobile app.
OTconnect
The other cool thing about the OTbeat Burn is that it syncs up to new screens on the treadmills. Each treadmill will come equipped with an iPad-size screen on the treadmill that picks up your name profile and data as soon as you step on the treadmill. Just click on your name, and all of your data is in front of your face on the screen. As the workout starts, you can track your heart rate, total calories, Splat points, average/maximum incline, maximum miles per hour, and total moving time all on the screen in front of you - no more careening your neck to see the giant screen in the room.
This new system of screen is called the OTconnect and OTF is planning on adding them to the water rowers and eventually the weight room to track your stats throughout the workout.
OTbeat Mobile App
With the new OTbeat mobile app, members can track their stats after each workout and see their full performance summary. You can also join challenges and connect with other members on the app.
How It Impacted the Workout
So all this new technology sounds great, but what does that mean for the actual workout? I'm not being dramatic when I say it was a total game changer. Being able to see my stats in real time in front of my face totally optimized the treadmill portion of the workout. It also kept me focused so I didn't have to keep looking away to find my name on the giant screen in class (and with how apt I am to trip on treadmills, this made me feel safer).
I also loved that it had more stats than just my calories and Splat points. I can see in classes where you alternate between the treadmill and the rower having a cumulative number of how many miles you move will be helpful. Since I hadn't been to OTF in a minute, I burned over 500 calories, earned 23 Splat points, and moved 4,000 steps - a great workout!
I can only wait until this technology is available on the rowers as well and throughout all locations. Right now, I'll have to keep going to OTF in Astor Place in New York City to keep playing around with the technology!
6 Essential Oils That May Help Kick Your Cold Symptoms to the Curb
Having a cold is the actual worst. The only thing you can do is try to alleviate the symptoms and ride it out. One way to do that is by using essential oils. There are a wide variety that can come in handy when you have a cold because of their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Essential oils can also help lessen your coughs and make your throat less scratchy, which is always a plus in my book.
Ahead you'll find six essential oils you can use to knock your cold down a few notches. Each of the oils can be used in a variety of ways. Some you ingest, others you diffuse, and some should only be applied to your skin. Take the advice of these experts, and always check with your doctor when treating a bug - especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Related: The Best Essential Oils For Your Workout, From Warmup to Cooldown
5 Keto-Friendly Salad Dressings - and They're All Store-Bought
Keto dieters know to avoid carbs and sugar at all costs, but sometimes they sneak into your meal when you least expect it - even when you're trying to be good by dining on a big, leafy salad. That's because many store-bought salad dressings contain loads of carbohydrates and sugar, turning your healthy, vegetable-focused meal into a major violation of your keto diet.
Not to worry, because there are several low-carb, no-sugar salad dressing options out there for you to dress your greens in. And the best part about keto-friendly salad dressings? They're usually on the rich, creamy side, which - let's be honest - makes eating salad a whole lot more fun.
15 Gifts the Nike Fan in Your Life Will Obsess Over - All From Amazon
If you're stuck wondering what to gift your loved ones on their birthday or during the holidays, try giving them a brand they love. Anyone who is a fitness junkie or Nike fan would always appreciate some new workout gear to add to their collection. To make your life easier, we shopped and rounded up a list of Amazon's best Nike products. The best part: they're delivered right to your door within just a few days, in case you're in a rush. From pink running sneakers to comfy socks, you might end up wanting a few for yourself. Take a look.
If You're Struggling to Lose Body Fat, Then You Should Do These 9 Things
Losing weight is all well and good, but when you're looking for the scale to drop, you are most likely wanting to lose fat, not muscle. So how do you make sure you're shedding fat and also maintaining lean muscle mass? It takes a concentrated effort to dial in your nutrition, get moving (specifically, hitting the weight room), and doing other lifestyle factors such as sleep and managing stress.
We spoke to some experts who reveal what it takes for women to lose fat. Here are nine of their most helpful and actionable tips. Even if you just incorporate a few of these into your lifestyle, you're bound to see results.
Bob Harper Reveals the Biggest Lifestyle Change He Made to Lose 40 Pounds
After surviving a massive heart attack last year, Bob Harper worked on completely transforming his life. He shifted from a low-carb Paleo diet to a carb-friendly, plant-based lifestyle and has lost 40 pounds in the process. The celebrity trainer and former The Biggest Loser host shared some of his other healthy habits that helped him recover and transform his lifestyle on the Rachael Ray Show.
Bob starts each morning with a cup of coffee (we can relate!), and he swapped his almond milk for gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free oat milk. He also takes a hot yoga class every day from the yoga studio Fierce Grace. It's no easy feat; the classes range from 60 to 90 minutes long. The former cardio fiend praises the class's movement and ability to get your heart rate up without having to bust your butt doing cardio. His switch from intense cardio to hot yoga is perhaps the biggest change he's made to lose weight (aside from eating a plant-based diet).
"I came from that very cardio background," he said in the clip. "It's like, to get the weight off you've gotta get cardio, cardio, cardio. I don't necessarily believe that's true in all cases." It's something former The Biggest Loser contestants may find shocking!
Since he sweats so much during hot yoga, Bob makes sure to replenish every day with a ton of water. He drinks at least a gallon a day and relies on a giant water jug to get in his daily fill of H2O. (For some extra hydration motivation, we recommend the BuildLife 1-Gallon Motivational Water Bottle.)
And while many people assume losing weight is all about eating well and moving your body, Bob has told POPSUGAR that managing stress is a top priority for weight loss and overall health. To keep his stress in check, Bob practices transcendental meditation.
We love seeing Bob live such a happy and healthy life after recovering from his heart attack - BRB, booking a hot yoga class ASAP.
17 Gifts For the Person in Your Life Who Loves to Stay Hydrated
You know drinking water is good for your overall health: it helps you stay hydrated, keeps you feeling satisfied, can give you glowing skin, and can even help you lose weight. We all have that one friend who drinks basically the entire pitcher of water at dinner and isn't seen without his or her trusty stainless steel water bottle.
Luckily, with so many cool new products on the market, it's easy to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water all day long. Snag one of these gifts for your friends who get their eight glasses of water in a day and then some.
I Smiled at Total Strangers For a Month, and It Drastically Improved My Mood
A few months ago, I experienced some major shifts in my life - the kind of shifts that made me want to crawl into a ball and hide in my apartment. In short, my boyfriend decided he didn't want to be my boyfriend anymore. As a result, I was a mental case. The thought of eating made me feel nauseous. I was working out profusely. I would break out into tears sporadically, and my mind was in a thousand places. In an effort to reset, I took a trip on my own to Florida to get my mind right. An escape, I thought. An escape will do me good.
One early morning, I was coming back in from a run on the beach and scrolling through Instagram. Weaving through posts, I stumbled on a quote that got me thinking. "The people whose first instinct is to smile when you make eye contact with them are some of earth's greatest treasures."
To say I hadn't been doing a whole lot of smiling at this point, well, that would have been an understatement. I was feeling vulnerable and unsure of myself. I stopped walking, looked up at the palm tree in front of me, and paused to think. As a New Yorker, seldom do I walk down the block to see someone smiling at me. Instead, we're all rushing from point A to point B with our eyes glued to our phones - helpful when you're in the mood to avoid all human contact, but not ideal for meeting new people (or boosting your mood).
I'm gonna do it, I thought to myself. Not just in rural Florida, either. For the foreseeable future, I'd smile at every single person who I locked eyes with. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But considering this was so counterintuitive to how I felt, I knew it wouldn't be easy or anywhere inside the realm of my comfort zone.
A few hours later, I boarded the plane home. When I landed in New York, my experiment began. Here are four lessons I learned from a month straight of smiling at strangers:
1. Smiling puts you in a better mood.
I'll be the first to admit that smiling so often felt all sorts of weird at first. Some people looked at me and were genuinely confused about why I was in a good mood (even though oftentimes I wasn't). But after the first couple of days, smiling started to feel more natural. I realized that whether it was close-mouthed or big and toothy, the grin was putting me in a better mood. Overall, I felt less stressed the second I made smiley eye contact with someone else. After a little research, I found one study from the University of Kansas that found that smiling helps to reduce the body's response to stress and lower your heart rate in tense situations. OK, cool. I'm digging this.
2. Smile at someone, and nine times out of 10 they'll smile back.
Think about it: when someone is smiling at you, it's hard not to reciprocate the good vibes. That's why so many of us like to surround ourselves with inherently happy people instead of downers. One morning I was sitting on the subway at around 6:20 a.m. and decided to really put this to the test. At this hour, transportation consists of other spandex-clad New Yorkers heading to workout classes or construction workers. First, I went for a construction worker who had been dozing in and out of sleep. He looked both ways before smiling back at me. Then, a girl drenched in millennial pink. She smiled immediately and even shifted her headphones because she thought I said something to her.
3. Smile at someone, and they're probably going to talk to you.
This was the best part of this entire experiment. Not so much on the subway, but when I smiled at people waiting in any line or at the office, they almost always had something to say to me. Oftentimes, it was some generic comment about the weather or maybe something about my outfit (compliments on my hair ranked high on the list, too).
When it came to the opposite sex, men would light up. I saw a lot of blushers. Men were also the only ones to challenge why I was so happy. On three separate occasions, I got a "What are you smiling about?" prompt. Each time, I simply asked, "What's wrong with being happy?" Each time, they were stumped. Only with one of those instances did I tell the guy what I was doing (because I found the guy attractive). He laughed at me and told me it was a noble effort. Then I looked down and noticed his wedding ring.
4. Smiling opens you up to new possibilities.
Walking around in a better mood because of this sporadic smile plastered on my face, I felt more open to new opportunities. Without a second thought, I found myself saying yes to more things. Want to come work out with me after work? Definitely. Want to come to brunch with us on Saturday? Mmm hmmm. How about you join us for New Year's dinner? Game on.
I'm more of a spiritual person than a religious one. But after about a month of smiling at strangers, I feel more than ever that I saw that Instagram post at that specific moment for a specific reason. My own smile, it reminded me to get out of my own head. My smile reminded me at times that I have so much to offer, even if it's just a grin. On the days when it wasn't easy to chin up, that smile kept me above water. And the best part? No one can take that away from me. It's mine, for keeps.
8 Cute Yet Functional Running Shoes From Amazon
We understand that hunting down a quality pair of running shoes that won't break the bank is tricky. Luckily for you, we scoured Amazon and found the very best options. These functional choices won't hold you back while you're on the move, plus they're pretty cute. Check them out for yourself, and buy a pair before they sell out.
I'm a CrossFitter, and These Are the High-Protein Vegan Dinners I Make Every Week
Since I don't eat meat or dairy products and only eat eggs occasionally (when I get them from my friend's free-roaming backyard hens), getting enough protein at dinner time can be a slight challenge. Although I love filling up on a big, fresh bowl of salad, it doesn't offer much in the protein department. And since I'm doing CrossFit regularly, my body needs protein to heal and grow my big-ass muscles. Here are the high-protein vegan dinner recipes I swear by. Each offers at least 15 grams of protein, and each recipe is absolutely delicious and satisfying.
This Is the Worst Thing You Can Do If You're Trying to Lose Body Fat and Build Muscle
Regardless of your fitness goals - weight loss, building muscle, becoming faster, growing a bigger booty - there's no magic pill or express lane for achieving results quick. As a personal trainer, my main goals are to educate people on how the human body works, help them become more functional, and help them achieve their fitness goals.
My experiences as a Division 1 All-American sprinter, group instructor, and personal trainer have revealed this: a common misconception people have about losing fat and building muscle is that they should focus on spot reduction.
What Is Spot Reduction?
Spot reduction is the false belief that you can do isolated exercises to target a specific muscle (i.e., triceps, inner thighs, lower belly) and, as a result, lose fat in that area. Small muscle fatigue may leave your muscles feeling shaky, but ultimately it isn't improving your overall fitness, which is needed to lose fat.
Does Spot Reduction Work?
The short answer is no, spot reduction doesn't work. If your primary goal is to lose body fat, spot reduction won't work because you're targeting small muscles. There's nothing wrong with wanting to lose fat in your arms and build muscle, but doing countless triceps dips won't work. If you're already relatively fit and don't have much fat to lose, spot-toning - developing a particular muscle or muscle group - can help you see more muscle definition.
What Should I Do Instead?
Instead of obsessing over a "problem area," focus on training your entire body. This will help improve your overall strength and health, and you'll achieve the results you're looking for a lot faster. To improve and enhance your physique, don't focus on tiny muscles like your triceps - think bigger. Doing big, compound exercises recruiting multiple muscle groups at once will allow you to elevate your heart rate, burn more calories, and improve your coordination. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges, bench presses, bent-over rows, and pull-ups are all great exercises to do if you want to burn fat and build muscle.
A Trainer Says These 4 Things Are Essential in Order to Lose Fat and Keep It Off
You know the ins and outs of how to lose body fat, but the real question is - how do you keep it off? Certified strength and conditioning specialist Sohee Lee (@soheefit on Instagram) posted this graphic to share the four things you need to do not only to lose weight in a sustainable way but also to maintain the new, leaner, healthier you.
15 Affordable Gifts For the Most Active People in Your Life, Because Workouts Are Expensive
If there's someone in your life who's passionate about health, a fitness-related gift is the perfect thing to get them, because you know it'll make them smile and they can get good use out of it. So this season, don't stress about gifting. Whether they're a serious yogi or starting to get into boxing, they'll love any one of these fun, affordable fitness finds - every item is under $50!
Who Can Resist New Leggings? These Top-Rated Pairs From Amazon Start at Just $12
Sometimes, finding a great pair of leggings can feel tougher than spin class. Because they all fit so differently, and different customers want different things from a workout pant, we've learned to listen to ratings and customer reviews when we're shopping, and we've come across some seriously beloved pairs. Whether you prefer a full legging or a capri, a compression tight or a buttery, breathable yoga pant, you'll be inspired to shop by these glowing reviews and these adorable bottoms!
These 8 Things Are Sabotaging Your Ability to Build Muscle in Your Lower Body
It's time to go back to the drawing board if you've been putting in work at the gym but still aren't getting the booty results you're after. Bret Contreras (aka the Glute Guy), PhD, CSCS, has some advice on why you may not be seeing any results in your lower body, specifically your butt.
In an Instagram post, he shared eight reasons you're struggling to build muscle in your lower body. His points are valid and can be applied to any muscle group, not just your butt. If you're feeling stuck in the muscle-building department, continue reading.
- You aren't putting in enough effort: According to Bret, people train hard and are able to raise their heart rate and induce a sweat, but they don't train hard when it comes to progression. "To build muscle, you have to place increasing amounts of tension on the muscles over time. This requires you to gain strength," he said.
- Your form isn't correct: By now you should know that form is the key to preventing injury and making sure that the right muscles are being activated. "Proper mechanics set the foundation for progressive overload. A PR (personal record) is only a PR when the same form and range of motion is utilized."
- You aren't getting enough protein: Protein is one of three macronutrients (the other two are fats and carbohydrates). It is the building block of muscle and helps to build and repair tissue. If you aren't very active, the FDA recommends consuming a minimum of 50 grams of protein a day. If your goal is to build muscle, the American College of Sports Medicine advises eating between 0.5 and 0.8 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. According to Bret, in order to see those gains, "You want to consume around one gram of protein per one pound of lean body mass per day."
- You aren't eating enough: It's important to adjust our caloric intake and provide our body with the adequate amount of energy when we exercise. According to Bret, you don't need to drastically increase your caloric intake; you just need enough energy to train properly. Here's how to calculate how many calories you need in a day.
- You aren't sleeping enough: A lack of sleep can make you feel less focused, negatively impact your mood, and prevent your muscles from repairing.
- You're stressed: Long-term stress is dangerous and can increase your adrenaline and cortisol levels (the stress hormones). An increase in stress hormone levels can affect your immune system, blood pressure, and mood.
- You're working out too much: If you're doing multiple workouts in a day and week without rest, you may want to reconsider. "Many of you will never see ideal results because you're exercising too much," Bret said. If your goal is to build muscle, he suggests making strength training your primary focus and adding in additional exercise every once in a while.
- You aren't doing the right exercises: Bret's solution is simple: "Do your hip thrusts and a few other glute exercises you love."
We know that this is a lot of information, but you don't have to apply all of Bret's recommendations at once. Start with things you can easily fix, like how much you're eating in a day and adjusting your workout schedule. Take note of what changes, if any, are taking place, and then continue adjusting if necessary.
As a reminder, consult a physician and/or a trainer before making any drastic changes to your nutrition and workout routine.
26 Pumpkin Spice Treats You Have to Try From Trader Joe's Before They're Gone
It's Fall, and you know what that means? All the flavors of the changing season come out to play! While everyone may be obsessing over their pumpkin spice lattes, there are some other flavorful treats that come around during this season only. From pumpkin spice cookies to tortilla chips (seriously) and everything in between, there are so many foods that you can grab in order to savor the flavors of Fall.
One of our favorite spots to stock up on pumpkin spice everything is Trader Joe's, so we rounded up some of the products they are carrying this season. Many are limited seasonal goods and are only available until stock runs out. So, what are you waiting for? Add these all to your cart ASAP!
30 Top Gifts For Women That Will Sell Out Like Crazy This Year
After you see all these goodies, you'll be dreaming about jumping into a pile of them. We found cute and trendy gifts that every woman in your life will freak out over. There are ideas for all types of ladies, so you can't go wrong. Check out the thoughtful and pretty items that every gal will want on their holiday wish list.
44 Insanely Cute and Hilarious Gifts For Anyone in Your Life
Gifting someone who has everything is no easy task. This year, instead of getting your loved one, friend, or coworker something they likely already own, try surprising them with something fun and different. We looked to Urban Outfitters because the trendy retailer has so many unique and quirky items for every person in your life. Whether they're obsessed with Shake Shack french fries or Hello Kitty, we found it all. Take a look.
Your Favorite Home Cook Needs One of These Fun Gifts
As much fun as it is to go out to eat, home-cooked meals are usually our favorites. For the heroes in our lives, aka the awesome chefs, you want to get them something they'll love for the kitchen. These are the perfect presents for your resident Wolfgang Puck or Rachael Ray. Plus, if you give them something from this list, they'll probably be inspired to cook. Everybody wins!
21 Cool Tech Gifts Anyone Would Be Thrilled to Receive This Holiday Season
When it comes to rising gift trends, we're seeing a big focus on tech products that will make your life easier. Whether that means giving you time back in your day or keeping things all in one place, products are being designed to make the user's day better. We curated a list of the most gift-worthy releases anyone on your list would be excited to get for the holidays. Shop through these genius gadgets.
The 17 Funniest Gifts of 2018 Will Make You Laugh So Hard, Your Stomach Will Hurt
If you're looking for presents for the friend who isn't afraid to get silly, we've found the perfect stuff. Whether you are headed to a white elephant party or just want to treat a loved one to something hilarious, we've got you covered. Keep looking to see these hysterical gift ideas for your comical pal.
Free WiFi For All Passengers Is in the Works at Delta, and It's Kind of a Big Deal
Traveling with Delta is about to get a little bit better. While the airline's free Biscoff cookies are already a real treat and all, Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently confirmed at the Skift Global Forum in NYC that a plan for free in-flight WiFi is in the works. "I don't know of anywhere else, besides in an airplane, that you can't get free Wi-Fi," Bastian said, according to Forbes. "We're going to make it free."
Though several airlines now offer internet connectivity for a price, not many offer it entirely free for passengers seated in all sections. A few international airlines - Emirates, Norwegian, and Qatar Airways, for example - offer free WiFi, as well as JetBlue for flights traveling within the contiguous United States.
Unfortunately, Bastian did not disclose any additional details about the plan, nor did he say when travelers can expect to access the free WiFi. Though it might be a long shot, it would be amazing to have this feature in time for the holidays. What do you say, Delta? Maybe as a holiday gift?
How Microsoft Is Changing the Face of Disability Employment: "It Has Never Been More Important"
Disability is not inability, and when everyone can understand that it's what differently abled individuals bring to the table that matters - and not what their diagnosis is - is when we'll have a truly inclusive system. People with disabilities make up the third largest market segment in the US, and it makes business sense to tap into this pool of talent. Because of their ability to cope with challenges on a daily basis, differently abled employees bring with them a unique perspective and out-of-the-box thinking that helps solve problems. And fostering a disability-friendly culture of inclusion creates a stronger, viable organization.
Major companies like Microsoft are waking up to the potential that employees with disabilities possess and are now exploring ways to make their workforce more diverse. "A diverse and inclusive workforce will yield better products and solutions for our customers, and better experiences for our employees," Neil Barnett, director of inclusive hiring and accessibility at Microsoft, told POPSUGAR.
Microsoft has always been at the forefront of innovation and leadership, and when it comes to disability inclusion, it doesn't disappoint. Effective workplace diversity and inclusion practices have changed the face of Microsoft and have made it more attractive to differently abled candidates. "We learned that our traditional hiring process, the front door to Microsoft, could be a major barrier of entry for many talented candidates," Barnett admitted. So they decided to "adjust the shape of the door." With its commitment to disability inclusion, Microsoft is making sweeping changes to its hiring policies and workplace culture. Keep reading to find out more about how Microsoft is changing the face of disability employment.
POPSUGAR: What are some of the initiatives that Microsoft is taking to attract more differently abled candidates?
Neil Barnett: Microsoft's approach to inclusive hiring is not limited to just one program or initiative. We host job fairs, fund an annual scholarship for high school students interested in technology, and offer targeted hiring programs such as our Autism Hiring Program and Supported Employment Program. We also work with community partners to share information on Microsoft's inclusive hiring practices as they work to be an employer of choice for those with disabilities more broadly.
PS: Why is an inclusive hiring process so important to Microsoft?
NB: With over one billion people with disabilities around the world, it has never been more important to ensure that we reflect the diversity of our customers. So, we are focused on building an inclusive culture that celebrates the amazing skills, experiences, and backgrounds that all employees bring to the company. That kind of inclusion will enable us to deliver better products and solutions for customers, and better experiences for our employees - and that's essential.
PS: Can you expand a little bit on what the hiring process is like for someone with a disability (e.g. autism)?
NB: When we started the Autism Hiring Program in 2015, our approach was simple. We learned that our traditional hiring process, the front door to Microsoft, could be a major barrier of entry for many talented candidates. By adjusting the shape of the door, we could help candidates showcase and demonstrate their talent to hiring managers.
Résumés are screened for the skills and qualifications necessary in the identified open roles. A set of eligible candidates will be asked to complete an online technical assessment. Candidates may also be invited for a prescreening interview to gauge their interest, skill, and experience for the position. You may then be invited to a multiple-day skills assessment program covering workability, team building, and technical skills on Microsoft's Redmond campus. The goal of this multidate process is for candidates to showcase their professional skills. The hiring teams will meet and engage with the candidates during program exercises and job interviews. Based on the skills assessment and hiring manager feedback, the candidate could be offered a full-time job as a Microsoft employee. We're finding incredible talent through our hiring program efforts and are always looking for additional talent to join Microsoft.
PS: What are some of the strategies you use for better retention of such employees?
NB: Each hire is offered a more immersive onboarding process with a comprehensive set of services so they feel supported throughout. This includes training sessions for the teams and managers of the new hires to help them better understand autism, as well as a job coach from PROVAIL, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities to fulfill their life choices.
Microsoft has a large Employee Resource Group with a focus on supporting employees with more than 20 disabilities to get help for new hires. This is a great social bridge for questions about everything from "How do I use the bus system?" to "How do I put money on my meal card?"
PS: Dealing with the stress of a work environment can take a toll on a person with disability. Do you have support groups that help your employees navigate this challenge? How do you support employees who are struggling?
NB: To help foster diversity and inclusion, Microsoft has a rich community of Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and Employee Networks (EN). These organizations provide career development, support, networking opportunities, mentoring, community participation, product input, and assistance in activities that promote cultural awareness.
Of note - the community mentorship program, created as a benefit of the Autism Hiring Program, brings volunteers from around the company (typically parents of children with autism) in to be a friend, mentor, or buddy to new employees hired through this program. A community mentor is a friendly face and resource for questions about "life at Microsoft" and is there to help make the transition to the large company feel more comfortable and safe.
PS: What are some of the accommodations you have or plan to have to make the work environment more inclusive?
NB: We provide training sessions for the teams and managers of the new hires to help them better understand disabilities and how to help employees with disabilities succeed within the workplace. Managers also work to adjust their communication style to use less acronyms, provide feedback more frequently, explain things in more detail during meetings, and pause to ask questions in order to keep everyone engaged and on the same level of understanding.
Many managers have provided feedback that the trainings on becoming more inclusive in their approach have benefits for all their employees, including changing their communications style, giving feedback more often, and recapping meetings with detailed actions, etc.
PS: Do you also partner with disability groups and organizations to connect your employees with resources?
NB: Microsoft's disAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG) enters into partnerships with nationwide associations, nonprofit organizations, and special interest groups to increase disability awareness, drive joint objectives, and help organizations in need.
PS: How do you ensure better disability awareness and acceptance within the company?
NB: The disAbility ERG's goal is to enable employees at Microsoft to reach their full potential through inclusion, representation, and access to accommodations, and in doing so, be the employer of choice for people with disabilities globally. The ERG's three key priorities in pursuit of this goal have a direct impact on Microsoft and its employees:
- Drive internal visibility to ensure that there's an awareness of disability groups and that adequate accommodations and resources are available. Provide a resource pool of people who can share a wealth of knowledge and experience on how to succeed at Microsoft. In 2016, the entire Microsoft workforce (over 100,000) received training that aimed to reinforce Microsoft's commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
- Help Microsoft be best-in-practice with software, tools, buildings, and events that are accessible to all people with disabilities. Collaborate with our product teams to design, develop, and build accessible Microsoft products and drive accessibility improvements in the work environment.
- Build external awareness of Microsoft as the employer of choice for people with disabilities. Work with community partners to share Microsoft's approach and best practices in the areas of accessibility and ergonomic accommodations.
PS: How does disability inclusion align with your company's broader culture, vision, and values?
NB: Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As we transform our business and culture, the value proposition for diversity and inclusion within Microsoft is increasingly clear - a diverse and inclusive workforce will yield better products and solutions for our customers, and better experiences for our employees. We know that diversity gains will not be sustained unless we all do our part to encourage new and different perspectives, solutions, and innovative ideas to surface from all our employees. Being inclusive is not something we simply do, but rather it stands for who we are. We see our leaders and managers as role models in transforming the culture.
PS: What would you say to other companies out there to encourage them to open their doors to the differently abled?
NB: Invest and learn together. Be humble and hungry to understand more about this section of your customer base. You will discover insights and ideas that would never have been possible otherwise. With a culture rooted in a growth mindset focused on becoming continual learners, we are seeing positive benefits of sharing what we've learned while creating the program.
If you're looking for more ideas, Microsoft recently set up an Inclusive Hiring website to share our best practices, videos, and highlight opportunities, all with the intention to make it easier for people to find information about our programs. We have also started a coalition of Autism at Work employers that are looking to help other companies get started.
The 15 Coolest Places to Celebrate Halloween Across the United States
Halloween is upon us, and many destinations throughout America thrive on bringing this fun holiday to life. Whether it's hosting paranormal activity tours, haunted houses, or spooky walking tours, there's never a shortage of Halloween activities worth traveling for in the United States. From murder mysteries in Finger Lakes, NY, to festivals in Honolulu, here are some of the most underrated and festive places to celebrate Halloween across America.
50 States of Scary: The Most Terrifying Haunted Houses You MUST Visit in America
You know what time of year it is?! Just kidding, it doesn't matter if it's Halloween or not, the people who are truly committed to the holiday are always ready for a good scare. We have scoured every corner of the country to bring you the most terrifying and entertaining haunted houses you must visit in America.
The Ultimate Fall Bucket List For 2018
Don't let Fall pass you by without getting in the spirit. It's not meant to be a time to just lay on the couch! That's why we created a fun and enjoyable checklist for you to print out and put on your fridge. We challenge you to complete all of these activities before Fall is over. Take a look - we promise you'll be more excited for Autumn than ever.
The best part? You can complete many of these activities even easier when you subscribe to the POPSUGAR Must Have box. You get over $300 worth of products for only $75, so you would be snagging everything for a major discount. It's the seasonal treat that will take your day-to-day to the next level.
Alexis Wineman: Being Called the R-Word by a Teacher Completely Changed the Course of My Life
To the Girl I Used to Be,
I'll admit that this isn't a letter I ever thought I would be writing, yet, here I am. I've been thinking about you quite a bit recently, and even though that might be self-centered (considering I'm you 12 years in the future), my mind can't help but wander back to you from time to time. I think of the awkward times in middle school and puberty in a different light than most people I know. Fellow peers of mine talk frequently about how they would love to go back to middle school and relive their preteen years. I think you can agree with me when I say I definitely don't feel that way.
This past year for you has been nothing but hell. Bullies have become crueler, and you're finding it impossible to keep up with school. The toughest challenge, though, is one new word that has come into your life and taken over everything: autism. It's a word that has brought your family so much relief but has caused you nothing but headaches and confusion. After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same. Still, through all the meltdowns, screaming, nightmares, and crying, you have one thing that has kept you going, that bright star that you keep running toward: your future as an astronaut.
Autism: After all these years, your family finally has an answer and can now find ways to help, but to you, the doctor could have replaced the word "autism" with "burden" and it would have translated just the same.
To this very day, I still have not met anyone who is as excited about the future as you are. I can still see the space posters you lazily hung up in your bedroom despite mom's protests of using Scotch tape on the walls. I can still quote the space documentaries you would watch as if they were major box office films, especially your favorite one, the Hubble telescope 15-year anniversary DVD (Hubble is still up there, by the way! It's now 28 years old!). I can recall the taste of the freeze-dried ice cream you would sit in our room and eat in order to "train yourself to like it" so you wouldn't complain when the time came for you to survive off it. I remember that one of the best gifts you ever received was the blue NASA jacket and hat your grandparents got you at the Kennedy s Space Center. They told you that if you were going to be a "hot shot space woman," you needed to dress the part! You wear that thing as much as you can and become paranoid about eating in it. It's so precious to you that you don't want to ruin it.
You have dreams, and you're willing to put up with the bullying, stress, lack of sleep, and agonizing pressure building in your skull. And every time the dam bursts and the tears and screams erupt, it still doesn't matter to you, just as long as you keep moving forward.
The future will be better, you chanted to yourself as that girl punched you in the stomach in the hallway.
The future will be better, you claimed as that boy broke your glasses with a kickball and laughed at your bleeding nose in gym class.
The future will be better, you promised as you sat through another IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting where everyone said they cared about your best interests yet never acknowledged you were even there.
The future will be better, you whispered to yourself as you went into what seemed like the millionth meltdown that week.
But soon that optimism for the future is gone. You don't look up to the stars and see your goal. In fact, you don't look up at the stars at all, do you? The hope that you held only a little while ago has been ripped out, and the remaining void is rapidly filling with the negativity that you've been struggling to overcome. I remember the event that took your hope away so clearly that sometimes, I think of it as an eerie spirit haunting me rather than just a memory from my childhood.
Science class was once your favorite subject, however, the teacher we had certainly didn't care. Of all the people who would want to encourage you to expand your scientific potential and pursuits, it should have been a science teacher. But you learned the hard way that adults can be bullies, too. The only difference between her and the gallery of bullies you already had was that you actually valued what she had to say. But this woman seemed to get a high from your misfortune. She never followed the IEPs that were set, her excuse being that you didn't look disabled. She failed you on multiple assignments because of it, even though she later admitted that you could answer any question she threw at you. But you continued to press on, thinking that once the class reached the space unit in the textbook (which you had already read), your time to shine would arrive and finally win you this woman's respect. Until then, you would keep your head down and continue to absorb the hurt this was causing you.
You never suspected that the day the space unit began would become one of the worst days of your life. The teacher noticed your head was up, your hand eagerly raised, your voice loud and as clear, as your speech impediments didn't prevent you from answering question after question. She saw all of this, but instead of being excited that you were getting involved in class, she saw it as a problem. She held you behind after class and asked about your shift in attitude. You told her about your vision in grandiose detail, what you wanted more than anything. You were going to be an astronaut and be the first woman on Mars. You were going to be someone who would do things that made people proud.
She stayed quiet for a beat after your explanation. Then, she destroyed you with just five words: "Retards don't go to space."
Hope became extinct that day. I wish I could tell you that the impalement of those words eventually goes away, but I can't. You didn't tell your family what the teacher told you, although you knew they suspected something, considering all of your space and NASA memorabilia was soon shoved into the back of your closet. Your vision for the future changed to reflect what your bullies said rather than what you wanted. Instead of looking down on Earth through the INSS window, you were now accepting the idea that you're useless. The hopeful version of Alexis was murdered by those words, and the body was soon possessed by fear and self-hatred.
Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. And you do have a future.
You grow numb and quiet. You're tired, but your sleep consists of nothing but nightmares of being God's failed creation. After all, God has a plan for everyone but lied to you about yours. You not only take the bullying, but you start to see it as something you deserve. You see it as your punishment for being different, as if it's the only thing you're good for. You even welcome it with open arms, because no one hates you more than you hate yourself now. You don't eat much anymore. You see nothing worthwhile when you look in the mirror. You feel withered before you had the chance to bloom. Your grand plan now is to drop out of school and live with your parents forever.
You're wrong, though. Your teacher was wrong. Your bullies were wrong. You are worth more than you could possibly know. I'm writing to you because that moment in that classroom changes your life more than you can imagine right now. And you do have a future, Alexis. Granted, it's not one that you ever thought of or planned for, but that doesn't make it any less bright.
Thanks to your family's persistence, love, and support, you start to feel again. You get involved with things you thought you were not worthy of, like cheerleading and drama. You become cheer captain and a senior member of the cross-country team. You slowly find value in who you are, and though it confuses you at first, you find yourself smiling more and more. You start to make friends - real, true friends and you don't feel so alone anymore. The meltdowns aren't as frequent as they used to be, and you start to learn things about your autism and ways to cope with it instead of letting it define you. You learn to love yourself again.
Your plans change so many times in the coming years. Part of me doesn't want to tell you the unbelievable things your future holds. Nobody likes spoilers, after all! But I will say that you do graduate high school. You even earn a college degree. You live in an apartment that you pay for through a job that you love and work hard at. You have opened yourself up to amazing opportunities, and if there are times where those opportunities are few, you've learned to create your own.
The thing that still surprises me is that many people have found worth in what you have to say. You become a voice that people want to hear. You end up traveling across the country, sharing your story, and telling those who feel just as hopeless as you do that they are the ones who decide what their futures will be, that no one has the power or right to tell them that they're unworthy to dream. You become an advocate for people with special needs. Through the many speeches and talks I've given, I've found that there are people who, just like you, have been told not to dream, not to get their hopes up for a future they "can't achieve." I agree that living with special needs is very difficult and that reaching a goal is 100 times harder than it would be for those without special needs, but that doesn't mean they should be barred from trying.
Throughout everything - all the struggles, challenges, and pain to get to where I am today - I've realized that I've lost sight of something very important, and for that, I really need to apologize to you. For a while, I thought I'd left you firmly in the past. I wanted you to fade from existence because I emerged from the void stronger than before. But that's not true. You still exist within me. I haven't overcome you or outgrown you. You didn't stay in the past, because you were never supposed to stay there. There are still times when I become the scared girl I remember you being, but that's OK. You can't overcome fear or anger, and you certainly can't overcome autism, but you can't let them define you, either. You can, however, find ways to pick yourself back up and get back in whatever fight that got you down to begin with, because you'll find out that no matter the situation or obstacle in your way, you can and will rise to the challenge.
Word of warning, though: it will never be easy. People will continue to doubt your abilities, and that teacher is not going to be the last person to call you "retarded." But what happens in these coming years is for you to decide. No one has any power over you or what you do.
I love you, Alexis. I am proud of you. And I'll try to make more of an effort to remind you of that. It might sound conceited, but we've spent far too long hating ourselves. I refuse to hate myself anymore, not after seeing that I am capable of amazing things. I cannot wait until you see it, too!
Love,
The Woman You Are Now, Alexis Leigh Butterworth Wineman
Alexis Wineman is an autism advocate and author who was named Miss Montana in 2012. As the first contestant with autism in the Miss America pageant's history, she was honored with the "America's Choice" award at the pageant in 2013. She is also a motivational speaker at conferences around the US.
Target Is 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.
Related: You Heard It Here: These Are the Top Kids Halloween Costumes This Year
22 Great Stocking Stuffers That She'll Fall in Love With at First Sight
Sure, you can always go the usual route of filling a stocking with toothpaste and dental floss like you do every year (there's nothing wrong with those items - they're very useful) but sometimes it's fun to dive into a stocking and find the unexpected . . . a cheeky highlighter, an aromatic bath bomb, or even a small can of whiskey. Not sure what to get? We have 22 gifts on the smaller side that will guarantee a big smile on her face.
9 Fortnite Costumes That'll Encourage Your Kid to Put Down the Game and Trick-or-Treat
If your child has been living and breathing Fortnite this year, you're not alone - and we feel your pain. And while we may not care to understand all the ins and outs of the game (all we know is we hear a lot of screaming while they play), we're of the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" camp and would rather not fight the craze (the alternative is dealing with angry tweens, so, no thanks). With that said, we've gone ahead and scoured the web for the Fortnite characters we know our kids are going to ask to be for Halloween.
To be fair, a bunch of these are fleece jumpsuits that your kids can wear all Winter long while they're holed up in their room rotting in front of their Xbox. It's not ideal, but at least they'll be warm. And another silver lining: if they're wearing these costumes on Oct. 31, you can encourage them to go outside to trick-or-treat, which will get them off the game and out of the house for at least a couple hours. Win-win?
Spend Your "Me Time" Away From the Kids by Burning One of These Swear Word Candles
Sometimes, when our kids are driving us nuts and parenting is getting to be all too much (i.e., around the same time every afternoon, amirite?), we find ourselves daydreaming of having five minutes alone - maybe to pee, maybe to take a bath, or maybe just to burn a candle and put on some soothing music so we can f*cking unwind.
Whether you're looking to buy a present for yourself or you want to gift a mom friend who could use some "me time" with a little something, these curse word candles are the perfect balance between finding your chi and letting it all out with a solid swear word. (You can find us on Etsy, buying one of each of these.)
Related: The Best Gifts For Moms Whose Favorite Word Is the F-Word
45+ Halloween Jokes For Kids That Will Bring Out Their Evil Laughs
Halloween can be a very spooky holiday (there's never a shortage of haunted houses, scary stories, and horror movies), but when you have kids, it's fun to lighten the mood a little to give things a less terrifying spin. And to them, there's really nothing not to love about Halloween. They get to dress up in awesome costumes, walk around their neighborhood with their friends, and get free candy all night long! And since kids love jokes - both hearing them and telling them - we've put together a great compilation of kid-friendly Halloween ones. They'll make you a hit at your kids' Halloween party and make them a hit with their friends at school. Keep reading to see them all now, and prepare to do your best evil "muhahaha."
20 Advent Calendars For the Whole Family - Some Even Have Wine!
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck during the holiday season, it's hard to beat the practicality of an Advent calendar. It's a single item that you buy once yet get to open for anywhere from 12 to 24 days. Plus, you can set it out as decor, making all of December fun, as opposed to just specific days of the month. Whether you want to fill one yourself for the little ones or are hoping to unwrap decadent sweets - or even wine - for yourself, here are the top 20 options for the year. Star Wars included, of course.
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.
Cheap Stocking Stuffers For the Mom Who Gets Her Sip On
Is there someone in your life who just lives to come home and open up a bottle of wine? That makes the gift-giving season that much easier for you. Whether you get them a bottle of their favorite red blend, a cheeky glass that will make them laugh, or helpful gadgets that will allow them to preserve their opened bottles, we found 14 useful stocking stuffers for the wino in your life. And the best part is that nothing is over $19.
The Best Inflatable Christmas Decorations That Will Have You Caroling in No Time
As every Christmas-obsessed person knows, getting the house set up for the holidays is seriously half the fun. And while we love trimming the tree and setting up our various Christmas villages, doing your due diligence in the yard will win you major bonus points. So where exactly do you begin with outdoor decor? With giant, eye-catching inflatables, of course. Scroll through to get a look at our favorite picks that will instantly put you in a jolly mood.
Articles
