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 3 mai 2019
Proof That Maddie Ziegler Is the Beauty Inspiration I Need Right Now
Maddie Ziegler has shortly gone from reality TV star to one of the most important teenagers in Hollywood (no, really, Time magazine named her one of the most influential teens three years in a row). Forget triple threat: Ziegler dances, acts, does voiceover work, models, and writes - the Pennsylvania native's memoir The Maddie Diaries made the New York Times' bestsellers list - all while racking up 13 million Instagram followers in the process. And we're only going to see more of her: the 16-year-old was recently cast as a member of the Jets in Steven Spielberg's upcoming remake of West Side Story.
As her fame has grown, so has her tendency to try unexpected makeup and hair looks. A few minutes scrolling through the Instagram feed of makeup artist Tonya Brewer (who works regularly with Ziegler) and you'll find a treasure trove of bright, colorful makeup ideas that are also surprisingly wearable.
Ziegler is no stranger to bold beauty looks. As a dancer on the competition circuit, she's played with her hair and makeup for her performances from a very young age, while her collaboration with Sia has allowed the star to go wild with bold, blunt wigs and rainbow-colored face paint. Her makeup and hair looks that we rounded up ahead, however, aren't meant for the stage or for an interpretive dance, but rather to serve as inspiration so you can seriously jazz up your beauty routine this Summer.
Lady Gaga Fans Have Some Theories About Christian Carino's New Queen of Hearts Tattoo
Lady Gaga's ex-fiancé Christian Carino got a new arm tattoo, and fans are theorizing that it's about his highly publicized split from the singer. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Carino shared a video of the tattoo at Bang Bang Tattoo in NYC, revealing new queen of hearts ink alongside a previous king of hearts tattoo wrapping around his right bicep. A closer look at the tattoo shows that the king has torn out his heart and is handing it to the queen. "In life find a friend that is like a mirror and a shadow. Mirrors don't lie . . . and shadows never leave," Carino captioned the post.
Confusion seemed to arise as fans assumed Carino had covered his tattoo of Gaga's face with the new playing card tattoo. (In actuality, the Gaga tattoo is on his left arm.) While Carino hasn't specified whether the tattoo has anything to do with their relationship, the video comes just months after he and Lady Gaga ended their engagement just before the Oscars after two years of dating.
Whoa, Priyanka Chopra Looks Like Even More of a Bombshell With Her New Long Hair
It's widely known that Priyanka Chopra is a certified babe, but the actress graduated to full-blown bombshell status when she showed up to the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in a sparkly, plunging dress - oh, and with a brand-new hairstyle. The 36-year-old star made us do a double - nay, triple - take when she hit the red carpet with husband Nick Jonas and debuted much longer hair than her usual style. While her hair was previously parted down the middle and reached just beneath her shoulders, Chopra's BBMAs look featured a deep side part and extended well past her bust.
Celebrity hairstylist Renato Campora is responsible for Chopra's transformation, as he installed extensions and gave her luscious, flowing waves ahead of the award show. After drying her hair section by section, he used the GHD Platinum+ Festival Collection Styler ($249) to smooth the roots and the GHD Curve 1.25 Soft Curl Iron ($199) to add movement to the lengths. Her hair switch-up was accompanied by some equally striking purple eyeliner, courtesy of makeup artist Sarah Nicole Tanno. Keep reading to see just how sexy Chopra looks with long hair - no wonder her husband couldn't keep his hands (or lips) off her at the BBMAs.
Eminem Is 1 Reason Why Zac Efron Went Blond, and It Totally Makes Sense
A lot of people have made big beauty decisions thanks to the influence of their childhood heroes. (Did anyone else want to get a naval piercing after seeing Britney Spears's?) For Zac Efron, getting bright blond hair "as a kid" was thanks to him being such a fan of one particular rap artist.
On his recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Efron explained that his Eminem fandom made him want to change his hair. "I was a total stan, so I would just go to the store and do it myself," he said, referring to bleaching his hair. He and DeGeneres expressed admiration for each other's matching blond hues, and Efron detailed his experience with his current, lighter hue (which he'd gotten "just for life," and not for a particular role, according to an interview with Variety) as being similar to Degeneres's. "My hair melted off because of the bleach," he said.
See a snippet of the segment to learn more about Efron's hair bleaching ordeal, ahead.
Behold: Every Single Iconic Beauty Look Kim Kardashian Has Worn to the Met Gala
If the Met Gala were like the Olympics of the beauty and fashion world (think about it: it requires extensive preparation, and everyone who is invited to attend brings nothing less than their A-game), consider Kim Kardashian one of the most decorated gold medalists.
The event is hosted on the first Monday in May by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is dictated by an overarching theme each year. Since her first time attending back in 2013, Kardashian has consistently stunned fans with how she's interpreted that year's theme with her hair and makeup. She wore her hair in slicked-back waves that looked wet for "Manus x Machina" in 2016, a hairstyle that grabbed attention despite how high-shine her metallic Balmain dress was. She painted on a smoldering, smoky cat eye in 2018 for "Heavenly Bodies" that framed her sultry stare. She even manages to steal the show when her look is toned down, like when she wore flesh-toned hues on her face and her hair in a high-shine, blunt bob for "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons" in 2017.
With this year's theme being "Camp: Notes on Fashion," we're expecting over-the-top feats when it comes to beauty looks, and we can't wait to see Kardashian's. Ahead, relive her beauty looks from the Met Gala.
I Truly Could Not Live Without Dry Shampoo, and This One From Target Is My Holy Grail
I recently saw dry shampoo as the go-to hair product for Virgos on one of those zodiac sign prediction things. This was 100 percent true for me, because it's a staple I use every single week and can't imagine not having on my vanity. If you can relate, I thought I'd provide a friendly PSA that Kristin Ess's Style Reviving Dry Shampoo ($14) is my favorite out of the dozens I've tried.
It was first recommended to me by a friend whose beauty opinions I very much trust, and the reasonable price tag paired with the fact that I could grab it at Target made me want to try it out. I've since repurchased it many times, and when I decide to branch out and try another dry shampoo, I usually regret it.
As someone with dark hair, I hate when dry shampoo leaves a chalky, visible white streak. Although this formula does come out in white powder form, it seamlessly blends into the rest of my hair with a few taps. It also smells incredible - not too intense but just sweet and fresh enough - and visibly absorbs oil. I can get away with washing my hair twice a week, and I rely on this in between. A few sprays at the roots, and I'm good to go.
Kristin Ess's products are only available at Target or on her own website (I know, I know - just another excuse to "pick up one thing" from Target). She's a celebrity hairstylist who launched her own haircare line in 2017, which now includes hair gloss, a rose gold temporary tint, and much more.
I haven't tried her other products, but I know I'm not alone in loving the dry shampoo. Half the time when I stop by my closest Target, the Style Reviving Dry Shampoo is out of stock; I consider it a win when I get it on the first try. If you're looking for your holy grail dry shampoo that'll save you on lazy days, this might be it.
Taylor Swift Changed Her Hair Color Twice at the BBMAs, and We Can't Even Make a Salon Appointment
Bright blond hair pinned back in an romantic updo, sharp winged liner, a pinky-beige lip - Taylor Swift has her red carpet beauty look down to a science. Her music videos, however, are a different story. The singer tends to use these opportunities to play around with her look. Take, for instance, her most recent video for her new song "Me!," in which she wears not one, not two, but seven totally different and totally whimsical beauty looks.
The star of all these looks was her hair. She tries out extralong extensions, blue hair pieces tucked into her trendy shag cut, and even a fuchsia bob. And for the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, it appears Swift found inspiration from her recent video, breaking out blue extensions on the red carpet followed by a ponytail with pink dip-dyed ends. Yep, that's right, there wasn't just one look she stuck to for the evening.
Swift rocked up on the red carpet wearing a ruffled lavender minidress and bright purple eye makeup to match. For her hair, she started off the evening with an intricate updo, and after further inspection, you'll notice the blue threads of chalk color throughout the small braids. Talk about a hairstyle that's garden party at the front and house party at the back.
However, this is Taylor Swift we're talking about, so, of course she changed her entire hairstyle during the night. Not only did she go from wearing an updo to a voluminous ponytail, Swift also added hot-pink extensions to the ends of her hair for her and Brendon Urie's BBMA performance of "Me!" and honestly, we can't even make a regular hair appointment that fast.
Ahead, get a closer look at both of Swift's looks and if you can't decide which hair color to choose for your next event, why not take a tip from Swift and do both in the same night?
15 of the Most Memorable Hair and Makeup Moments in Miss USA History
When you hear the term "pageant ready," you usually imagine superlong hair, perfect curls, and subdued makeup, right? Not anymore! As our standards of beauty are constantly expanding and diversifying, so are the hair and makeup styles sported by Miss USA pageant contestants each year. From short and choppy hairstyles to daringly dark lips to playful updos, each year brings a whole new crop of contestants who push the envelope on pageant-ready looks, and we couldn't be more excited to see what this year's Miss USA contestants will bring to the stage. While we wait for the new winner to be crowned on May 2, let's take a look back at some of the most memorable looks we've seen on stage over the past few years.
May's New Haircare Products Are Here, and You Won't Believe How Good They Are
Between Memorial Day weekend, graduation, and Star Wars Day - yes, that's a thing - there's a lot to look forward to in May. We can say the same about what the next few weeks will bring us when it comes to hair care.
This month, you can expect to see products that pack a punch. You'll find a styler that takes down frizz with just a few spritzes, a brush-on hair dye that fights brassiness while bringing out your blond, and a dry shampoo that zaps any evidence of not washing your hair (even post-HIIT class).
Like we said - there's a lot to look forward to. So take notes, and march to your nearest beauty store for some of the most powerful launches this month. May the force be with you.
These 3-Stone Engagement Rings Have a Very Special Meaning Behind Them
Three-stone engagement rings aren't only beautiful - they also have a sentimental meaning behind them. The three gems are supposed to represent the past, present, and future of your relationship - so sweet! We have uncovered our favorite rings in this type of setting worn by real girls. Check out our favorite bling; you won't be able to look away.
30 Sexy Country Songs For Doin' It Cowgirl Style
One of my favorite things about the boot-scootin' genre is that it is really good at making you feel things. It could make you feel sad, nostalgic, or like all you need is a beer and truck to make you happy. There are also some great love songs from the genre - and not just about being in love, but makin' love (that's what you call it in country speak). So if you're gonna take a roll in the hay with someone, serious or not, here are the country songs that'll get you in the mood.
What Happens When You Don't Have Enough Friends to Be Your Bridesmaids?
Whoever said that it's "better to have just a few close friends than lots of shallow friends" clearly never had to put together a bridal party with only two girlfriends.
When I realized my husband - then boyfriend - was probably going to propose soon, a wave of anxiety washed over me. Not because I didn't want to get married - I had wanted to marry him since our second date. The anxiety had more to do with the fact that I only had two female friends, while my boyfriend had an entire entourage of buddies. While he joked about "narrowing down" the options for groomsmen, I stayed up at night worrying about whether I could get a Real Doll to animate down the aisle behind me.
Even though I wasn't engaged yet, I knew that I needed to start making bridesmaid-worthy friends long before the engagement. I mean, who wants to be a bridesmaid for someone they just met? So I went on my hunt for new girlfriends.
First of all, I should explain that I've never had much luck with female friends. I know what you're thinking. And the answer is no, I'm not about to say that girls are so much drama and so catty, and I just like beer and football and being "one of the guys" (all while wearing a crop top and eyelash extensions because, tee hee, girls are so jealous of how hot I am!). No. I am a girlie-girl, I hate football, and I don't think anyone is jealous of me. I'm just socially awkward. I probably talk too much about myself. I don't ask questions about where people are from or where they work, because I don't really care. I'd much rather hear about whether or not they secretly resent their mothers. I overshare. I go up to people at parties and ask them if they see a therapist and when they lost their virginity. It also doesn't help that girls bullied me throughout middle school until I switched schools - in 2002, my "best friends" voted me off their cafeteria table à la Survivor, and they literally said "the tribe has spoken" - so I go into any interactions with women with an underlying level of social anxiety. I suppose men don't find me any more palatable than women do, but I've never actively tried to find platonic male friends, so I wouldn't know.
My hunt for new female friends proved challenging. I felt like a struggling pickup artist who was one rejection away from going full neck-beard.
In any case, my hunt for new female friends proved challenging. I felt like a struggling pickup artist who was one rejection away from going full-neckbeard. I would go up to girls at bars, at parties, or at work, and try to get to know them, get their numbers, and "hang out sometime." My opener? "Oh my god, I love your top!" This quickly became very demoralizing.
A few girls in particular stick out to me. There was Debbie, a girl I met at a costume party in a hotel venue, who immediately traded numbers with me and said she wanted to hang out. I never heard from her until three years later when she emailed me asking me to ghost write her autobiography.
Then there were the many, many girls I met at house parties. I'd open with "Oh my god, I love your top," and often they'd trade numbers with me after having an hour-long drunken conversation over a bottle of Trader Joe's chardonnay. I'd text them the next day to say it was great meeting them, they'd say "oh my god, me too!", then I'd text them later that week to see if they wanted to go out that weekend. They would never reply.
Sometimes I couldn't even get a number. I met a girl around my age at my gym who lamented being new in town and having such a hard time making friends. Figuring this was some kind of hint that I should befriend her, I asked for her number and said I'd be happy to show her around the city. She gave me a fake number.
Occasionally, I got a little farther than a number. I had more "first dates" than I can remember. They never went badly (at least not from my end), but they also never resulted in a second date. Only repeated texts that, "We have to do that again sometime, but so busy!"
At this point you are probably thinking, "Why go to all this trouble? So what, you had two friends. Just rock those two friends in your mismatched wedding party and embrace being weird!"
Here's the thing: no. I would not succumb to defeat and admit that I only had two friends. It was just too humiliating. And I had endured enough humiliation in my life already to not want my wedding to be a continuation of that. Even my boyfriend seemed a little embarrassed. He would egg me on in my hunt, point at random girls at parties and say, "She seems like a good potential bridesmaid!" Maybe a part of him was afraid that if I didn't make more friends - and fast - he'd have to drop all but two of his friends to be his groomsmen. I wanted my wedding to be the best day of my life, and I had a feeling it would be marred with embarrassment if the dark cloud of, "You only have two friends, and they're both closer with other people than they are with you," loomed over me the whole time.
As it turned out, my hunt for new female friends was completely fruitless. I eventually did make another close friend (who I still consider close), but she was actually someone I had met right after graduating college, years before my bridesmaid hunt. I just never made any effort with her during that time, because I assumed she was too cool to want to hang out with me. As it turned out, she wasn't. Unfortunately, we had only just became friends when I got engaged. At my engagement party, I pulled her aside and asked her if she wanted to be a bridesmaid. I told her that I knew we weren't that close, but I had a feeling we would be very close someday. She declined - boy, was that awkward for both of us - but years later she jokes that I had the right hunch about our friendship all along.
By the time I actually got married, I'll admit that my bridal party didn't really look how I wanted it to. I only had four bridesmaids, which meant my fiancé had to cull people from his lineup. (I only hope he didn't tell the disappointed gentlemen why: "My bride is just really unlikeable!") Realizing that I wasn't actually anybody's "best friend," I made my younger brother my maid of honor, because when it came down to it, I was closer with him than any other eligible friend. (He even attended the bachelorette party and partook in all the bridal activities, but drew the line at attending a pole-dancing class.) I also added my cousin as the fourth bridesmaid. Even though we weren't always in regular communication, she wound up being an awesome, supportive bridesmaid and a fantastic wedding planner to boot.
What I didn't realize was how facing my "fear" head on - having a very small bridal party with only two people not related to me - would make me so much more comfortable talking to other women. After my wedding, I no longer had a specific goal when I met a woman. I could focus strictly on whether or not we actually had anything in common, instead of imagining whether this person I just met would be OK with wearing pastel yellow or if she'd request a more flattering color. Now, several years out since my wedding, I'm still not everybody's cup of tea (just the other day I asked a stranger at a party if they ever wanted children), but I have a deeply satisfying spectrum of female friends. I'm not strictly focused on the amount of friends anymore, but I finally have more than two, so that's nice.
Alexandra Borowitz's debut novel, Family and Other Catastrophes, is available now!
My Partner and I Didn't Have Sex on Our Wedding Night, and It Was Honestly the Best
I was a chill bride, and I pride myself on that. I gave my bridesmaids a range of dress colors and let them pick their own shade and style. I wore flat shoes and no jewelry, save for my ring. My husband coordinated everything from the many vendors down to the table arrangements, while I largely just gave a thumbs up and said, "Sounds good." But there was one matter where I was not budging: I did not want our special day subjected to patriarchal traditions.
I did not want to be the "blushing bride," because, frankly, I did not feel like one. My husband and I are in an equal partnership, so I felt no need to be treated like a princess or even to look like one. I wore a gray dress. I didn't toss my bouquet or take my husband's last name, and I certainly didn't let my husband tug a garter down my thigh with his teeth. When the day was over and my husband and I returned to our hotel room, we skipped out on the candles, rose petals, and tender lovemaking because we'd been living together for two-and-a-half years by that point, and sharing a bed was as commonplace to us as eating breakfast together. In fact, we'd slept in the same bed together the night before. We were tired, bloated, and drunk, and we even laughed about the prospect of having sex and instead fell asleep.
It. Was. Awesome.
For me, the pomp and circumstance of the wedding night felt unnecessary. The tradition of consummating the marriage dates back to medieval times, after all, but thankfully, in Western culture, there's little expectation anymore that the bride will arrive as a virgin to the marital bed. I didn't have any handmaidens whispering over my sheets the next morning because (besides the fact that I sadly don't have any handmaidens) I was not a virgin on my wedding night. I'm sorry if this is news to you, Mom and Dad. Hopefully you can still get your dowry back.
This is also just me. As someone who's not particularly religious and who comes from a culture where preserving virginity before marriage is not an expectation, it wasn't a big deal to me. I know there are many people who feel very strongly about consummating the marriage and look at it as a momentous occasion, and that is totally OK. I just want want other brides who feel that weird pressure to do it when you're exhausted and really not in the mood to not feel bad!
Rather than returning home straight after the reception to do the deed, my husband and I went to the afterparty with all of our friends and family. I wore my gray dress to the bar and took shots with my bridesmaids. Though we didn't stay out as late as my parents and their friends, we did still stay out until 2 a.m. We were leaving the next day for our honeymoon in Asia. The sex wasn't happening, and neither of us was disappointed.
"Did you two have fun last night?" our friends asked at brunch the next morning, waggling their eyebrows. "We both slept like rocks, and it was the best," I said, and that is the truth.
6 Cruises That Are Tailor-Made For Millennials (Yes, There's Laser Tag)
Cruises have surged in popularity with the millennial generation in recent years, and when you see the crazy cool amenities many cruise lines are offering, it's hardly a surprise. Think award-winning culinary concepts, adrenaline-pumping deck-side activities, and maybe even an intimate show from your favorite musical artist - all on the open sea. Cruises also offer the added benefit of affordability, less time commitment (if you want it), and a taste of multiple locations in one sun-drenched trip. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a total newbie, keep reading for six awesome cruise experiences designed with the millennial generation in mind. Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, anyone?
30 Disney Quote Tattoos That Are Practically Perfect in Every Way
From love and loss to friendship and forgiveness, Disney movies (and Walt himself) have some profound life lessons to teach us - and often in the form of inspirational quotes. Whether we should let it go or just keep swimming, Disney's lessons are usually spot on and serve as a powerful reminder of how to be our best selves.
For those who prefer a more permanent reminder, tattoos of Disney quotes are a good way to go. They can be a great way to show off Disney pride - either complete with character accompaniments or just with the words for a more subtle approach. Keep reading to see some of our favorites, and maybe, just maybe, get an idea for your own Disney-inspired ink.
PTSD Is Like Being Caught in a Battle Between My Brain and Body
The following is an excerpt from What a Body Remembers: A Memoir of Sexual Assault and Its Aftermath, available for preorder now.
Almost daily I go for a run. Nothing crazy, just four miles. It's how I break up my day. Running brings a brief calm, quiets the incessant chatter of my mind. Running, if I'm honest, is my only source of pleasure.
On these little jogs I wear my tattered Cal Bears cap, the navy blue worn and faded, the thread of the gold scripted Cal loose and frayed. At least once a week it earns a shout out from some passerby of "Go Bears!" Because that's what one Cal Bear says to another Bear by way of greeting. Usually I forget I'm wearing the cap and as my brain fumbles, I've already passed the person before I can muster a meek "Go Bears" in return. If my husband is with me, a man who spent the period that made up my college years playing bass in heavy metal bands on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, he will cringe with embarrassment over the nerdiness of this exchange.
Today I am alone and I try to be conscious, to connect with my surroundings, to feel a gratitude I rarely register anymore. I follow the winding concrete paths of Balboa Park, trying to focus on beauty. Sun filtering through trees bending in the breeze. Black crows cawing. Happy dogs trotting along on flex-leashes. I am trying simply, desperately, to be present in my own life.
Running along, the ball of my foot rolls over concrete in rhythmic steps and sweat soaks the nape of my neck, wetting the edges of my tattered cap. I pass the Parks & Rec men, waving as I always do, envying them for their jobs. Maybe not a lot of money but a steady paycheck, minimal hassles, a good night's sleep, and a tidy pension from the city after thirty years. Not bad.
Panic flutters in my chest and my mind fights.
The path twists and I reach the place where I am all alone in the thick nest of trees where the grass flanking the path becomes invisible, covered in fragrant beds of pine needles. All around me is silence. I focus on my connection with the path beneath my feet, rolling forward, shifting my weight from foot to foot, grounding me to the earth, repeating in a tempo that feels like a song.
The breeze startles the leaves and I search side to side, making sure I am still alone.
Then another sound intrudes. Ten yards behind, the taps of another's jogging footsteps, pace steady, growing louder as they near. A runner's breath exhales in beats matching the sound of shoes hitting concrete.
Panic flutters in my chest and my mind fights. My brain knows with near certainty that this person means me no harm. It's a runner. In a park. Just like me. But my body refuses to listen and as it takes control, I am seized.
Something inside begins to choke me, squeezing my lungs. The ground beneath turns unsteady, the horizon starts to swim and the tingling, visceral as nails scraping chalkboard, starts at the base of my spine. It begins slowly, above the tail bone, a tornado of nerve endings rippling, rushing up the base, swelling at the middle of my back. Like a shiver of a tambourine, it rattles, transmitting a message from the deepest place, tumbling into a spasm of panic, meaning spilling across flesh. I own you, it says.
The tornado keeps rushing, rolling, all the way to the base of my sweating skull where it pulses. A surge sends pinpricks to my hands and I can no longer fight the urge to swing around, to set eyes upon the person making the footsteps sound, to make eye contact, to satisfy my body, to calm this storm.
As I relent, permitting my head to whip around, I strain to appear casual, knowing I have failed miserably the moment I see the look on the other runner's face. He's a twenty-something man with a buzz cut, sweating in his Navy cadet uniform of blue shorts and a t-shirt. He raises a palm in apology, "Sorry to frighten you, ma'am," he says, then continues past, giving the crazy panicked lady a wide berth. And it's only as he runs on ahead in front of me that the air begins its return to my lungs.
The ball of a foot colliding with concrete, a simple slapping sound. How can that evoke fear? How can something that happened so long ago hold so much power? And how can it wield that power after lying dormant for so many years? Every day pieces of memory fade away and die. But not this. It's an involuntary memory, a madeleine of terror, an ingrained sensation of before and after.
It makes no sense. In nearly fifty years on this planet I have heard footsteps slapping pavement behind me - What? A million times? Only once has that sound led to terror. Once. That night is just something that happened, something to catalog as I tally the unexpected things I've experienced in this life: sitting in a Manhattan conference room preparing to take a deposition, then watching a plane fly into the World Trade Center. The betrayal of a spouse. Losing a home and life savings. A car accident unfolding in slow motion, a crash certain to have killed me if a city light pole had been situated only seven inches farther east.
There is something unique about the sound of footsteps. His were the slap of rubber soled tennis shoes hitting concrete as he jogged along the sidewalk toward the entrance to my building, inscribing a message into the ground, like writing one's name in wet concrete. Perhaps it's his own special way of reminding me, of promising he'll always be with me, even if it seems he has disappeared for some years. Could I have known I would never forget? That he would arrive again and again at times of his own choosing, forever lodged inside my body? Each time it happens my body speaks to me, telling me the shadows of my past have not disappeared. Our lives intersected so briefly, but he has stayed with me. His footsteps inhabit my body. How do I get them to stop?
For years it came and went and I dismissed it as a minor annoyance. But as the triggers keep coming, triggers that attack when I'm at my weakest, I start to think. What if I'm missing something? Missing a piece to the story of my own life? What if that incident had transformed me even if I've refused to allow myself to believe it? If this still happens thirty years after the fact, what if my body is in revolt? What if it's responding because I insisted on blocking the trauma, refused to allow myself to process the impact of my assault, betrayed myself by lying, by insisting I was fine. Maybe the more we try to forget the wounds of the past, the tighter they grip us. Perhaps my body is shirking my mind's refusal to do something with these memories. Perhaps it's time for the mind to finally come around.
In 1984, the term "post-traumatic stress disorder" or "PTSD" was not in common use. It first appeared in the DSM-III in 1980 and its definition was limited. In 2014 it's everywhere, a label for veterans of yet another war, for the millions of people in this world who have suffered disaster.
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as a reaction to an extreme traumatic event. Primary symptoms include increased arousal in the form of insomnia, impaired concentration, or persistent hypervigilance. Factors that predict development of PTSD include personality traits of high neuroticism and poor self-confidence. Another factor is family characteristics and yet another is the environment for recovery. Lack of support from family, friends, and community can make a victim feel alone and helpless. There is also considerable impact where a victim is disbelieved and where there is "secondary victimization" such as where the police or lawyers or jurors or prosecutors or an entire criminal justice system make a victim feel like a chump.
Psychologists say that when people live through trauma, the memories get connected in their minds with what they saw, heard, smelled, or felt at the time. Anxiety and fear become linked to sensations that occurred during the event. These sensations become cues that evoke anxiety when they are experienced again later, bringing the memories and emotions flooding back.
In other words, the texture of memory is smooth, slippery.
A traumatic event is not remembered and categorized in a person's past in the same way as other life events. Instead, trauma continues to invade the senses and a person experiencing PTSD will relive the life-threatening experience, reacting in both body and mind as though the traumatic event is still occurring. In other words, the past makes the present ache.
Your Next Trip Is Covered: 18 Travel Jumpsuits That Are Comfortable, Cute, and Easy to Pack
Sitting on a plane in clothes you constantly have to adjust is annoying. Don't feel restricted by jeans or tight dresses - instead, opt for a comfy jumpsuit. The one-and-done outfit is both stylish and easy to move in. Plus, it's an easy piece to pack in your suitcase. You can dress it up or down if you go for a versatile design. What more could you ask for?
We rounded up our favorite options for you to shop through from sites like Nordstrom, Amazon, Loft, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and more. We made sure to choose options with fabrics that can be packed without getting wrinkly. Consider these pieces your most valued travel companions. We have no doubt these will be your go-to picks all Summer long.
15 Places Every Star Wars Fan Needs to Visit Before They Die
There are few franchises that have had an impact on pop culture like Star Wars. Since the first film, Episode IV: A New Hope, came out in 1977, multiple generations have been enraptured by the characters, storylines, and fantasy worlds that George Lucas and countless others have created. While the planets and civilizations themselves are found in a galaxy far, far away, much of the Star Wars universe can be found right here on Earth, making great vacation destinations for any fan.
You can choose to be consumed by the magic of the films through theme parks and museums, or you can venture further afield to track down the filming locations that have been immortalized in the series over decades. One thing is for sure: if you're a devoted Star Wars fan, these destinations should be on your bucket list.
97 Epic Photos of Van Travel That Will Make You Want to See the World on Wheels
Our travel bucket list continues to grow by the day, and it looks like it just got a new chapter in 2019. More and more travelers are hitting the road to see the world and dubbing it "van life." According to Pinterest, searches for van life ideas are up 44 percent year over year, while searches for van camping are up 192 percent year over year. The #vanlife hashtag has more than 5 million posts on Instagram, where you'll find stylish and adventurous nomads who've traded traditional living for a life on wheels or are simply opting to explore the world by van. After seeing the photos ahead, you might just get inspired to do the same. Take a look!
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
This Perfume Bottle AirPods Case Will Make You Feel Fancy as Hell
AirPods are one of the greatest inventions of our time, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Owning wireless headphones already makes you fancy as hell, but you'll look like a damn celebrity if you invest in this Luxury Crystal Perfume Bottle Apple AirPods Protective Case Cover ($20, originally $60). Designed to look like a miniature perfume bottle (including a Coco Chanel one!), this superdurable case not only protects your precious AirPods, it allows you to charge them, too. Shop this sleek case, and then be sure to check out all of these other insanely handy AirPod accessories that we've rounded up for you.
Missing the Battery Percentage on Your iPhone Status Bar? Here's How to Find It or Get It Back
If you have a smart phone of any kind, you probably know that battery charge is very important. And if you have an iPhone, particularly an iPhone X, you might be wondering where the hell the battery percentage went on the top of your screen. But fear not, there's an easy hack so you always know how much time you have left until your phone dies.
On earlier iPhone models up to and including the iPhone 8, you can see your battery charge in the status bar on your home screen. All you have to do is go to your settings, scroll down to "Battery," and tap the button to the activated position next to the words "Battery Percentage."
After doing this, the percent of battery life you have left will show up next to the battery charge icon in the status bar, along with the time, your reception signal, and WiFi connection.
On all models, the percentage of battery charge you have left will automatically show up when your phone enters "Low Power Mode," whether you have the "Battery Percentage" option ticked on in your settings or not.
If you have an iPhone X, which Apple has said has the "longest battery life ever in an iPhone," the percentage of battery left on your device shows up in the Control Center, not in the status bar. You can see this by swiping down from the top-right corner of the phone screen.
Unwanted Comments on Your Instagram Posts? Here's How to Turn Them Off Entirely
While scrolling through Instagram, you may have come across a post from time to time that has no visible comments or option to leave one. Whether it's a celebrity's page or just your best friend's latest selfie, it may have left you wondering what that's all about. Well, Instagram has a neat little feature that allows any user to completely turn off comments altogether on any or all of their posts.
The ever-popular social media site began updating their comment policies back in 2016 when Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom first announced in a blog post that users would have the option to implant a keyword moderator. When activated, the moderator allows the user to specify which words they do not want to appear in their comments. From triggering and offensive words to inappropriate phrases, the user can customize the list as they see fit and Instagram will then hide any comments on the user's posts that contain said words. Instagram later updated that feature and now allows their users to block out comments altogether - and it's super easy to do. This feature comes in handy for everyday users, parents trying to stop their kids from being bullied online, and big celebrities who unfortunately deal with some trolls in the comments section of their posts.
So how does one go about turning off comments entirely? Keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide.
Can You Tell If Someone Blocks You on Instagram? Yeah, You Kinda Can
Good news: when you block someone annoying on Instagram, they won't be notified. Bad news: they'll be able to tell you've blocked them if they go to your profile page. More good news: they're blocked, so they can't annoy you anymore anyways.
Instagram is for more than just sharing your latest travel snaps and shopping hauls. It's also a great place to see what your ex is up to and whether or not your cousin is still dating that super hot guy you met at Christmas. But if you're the ex who's being checked up on and you want to put a stop to it, you can block whoever you want.
When a person is blocked they won't get a notification that you've done it. Once blocked, they won't be able to see your stories or posts, send you messages, or search for your page. If they have your username, they could go directly to your page, but they won't be able to follow you or interact with you at all. They can still mention you (if they know you're username) in comments, but you won't get a notification, so it's like they don't even exist!
To check if you've been blocked - which also works on Twitter - just sign out of your Instagram account and search for the person you think blocked you. It should show up as usual to you if you're not logged into an account they've blocked.
Pack Your Bags, Because These 15 Vacation Dresses Are All on MAJOR Sale at Nordstrom
If you're planning a vacation or getaway, you have to bring the right clothes along. Consider packing some travel-friendly dresses. Nordstrom offers plenty of options that are lightweight and easy to fold up. Whether you're on a long plane ride or exploring a new city, there are designs out there that will be comfortable and stylish. If you need further proof, we're here to be your shopping guides
Bonus points: everything we uncovered is on big-time sale. The site is slashing prices on all sorts of must haves, but the dress selection is truly impressing us. Check out our favorite choices with new and improved price tags. It's time to shop for your next adventure!
Blake Lively Re-Created Her Best Maternity Style Moment Ever to Show the World She's Expecting
Do you remember how incredibly stunning Blake Lively looked on the red carpet in this Gucci dress circa 2014? The design featured a plunging neckline and a body-conscious fit so the actress could show off her growing belly at the Angel Ball. At the time, she was pregnant with James, and it seems like Blake looked back to that iconic moment when she stepped out with hubby Ryan Reynolds at the Pokémon Detective Pikachu premiere in NYC on May 2.
Blake chose a similar lemon yellow Retrofête look with sequins, beads, and a sash ($670) that highlighted her new bump. She accessorized with colorful chandelier earrings, gemstone rings, a wrist full of bracelets, and multicolored ankle strap heels. Needless to say, she was glowing, so it just seems that yellow is Blake's color when she's expecting.
Scroll down to see Ryan rocking a Brunello Cucinelli suit next to Blake, charming us twice in the same style five years apart, and don't be surprised if she steps out again soon in a similar number. After all, Blake chooses her outfits on her own, and it seems like she knows what works for her without us - or anyone, for that matter - pointing her in the right direction. Yep, that's one mama who's a complete and total powerhouse.
11 Comfy Swimsuits, Because You Shouldn't Have to Worry About Wedgies and Loose Straps
Picking wedgies, adjusting straps, pulling up tops - none of it is fun, especially when it comes to swimsuits. When you're hanging by the pool or visiting the beach, the last thing you want to do is fidget with what you're wearing. A proper fit is important, but the right design can make all the difference. That way, you can enjoy your day rather than worry about how you look.
We created a guide to the comfiest swimsuits to shop online - both bikinis and one-pieces. You won't have to worry about fiddling with anything when you put on these editor-approved picks. Take a look at these options, and consider one for yourself this Summer.
17 Day-to-Night Summer Dresses For Every Body Type (All For $64 or Less)
Dresses are more than cute, chic, fun, feminine, flirty, smart, polished, or whatever adjective you like to use to describe them. Dresses are essential. And the most essential styles in our wardrobes are day-to-night dresses you can wear to work but feel just as comfortable in for drinks, dinner, or a schmancy little shindig. Even better is when said day-to-night dress is super affordable. Like less-than-$65 affordable.
Another important factor when it comes to day-to-night dresses is silhouette - versatile shapes like flattering wrap dresses, tie-waist minis, and classic shirtdresses can really do the most, whether you're into black and white polka dots, gingham prints, or timeless stripes. And wouldn't you know, the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's is filled with all the aforementioned styles and more, including superstylish options for curvy shapes.
Ahead, shop 17 day-to-night Summer dresses from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's. And to inspire fresh styling ideas in the sunny season, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll discover a range of easy-to-wear outfits for the office, weekend activities, vacation, and more.
22 New Bikinis So Cute, You'll Want to Start Planning a Vacation For 2019
Daydreaming of laying on the beach or jumping into the pool? If you live in your bikinis during the Summer, you need plenty of options. We scoured the internet for the most stylish designs online in 2019. Whether you like versatile neutrals or playful patterns, we have uncovered choices for every taste. Take a look at these trendy picks, and treat yourself to something new before your next vacation.
This Is How Fashion Editors Make Affordable Clothing Look Expensive
A great outfit has nothing to do with the cost of the items involved. The thing that sets it apart is the styling, from creative color pairings to innovative layering to the use of accessories. And no, this doesn't mean you need a designer bag, the latest shoe, or an expensive piece of jewelry to make an outfit pop.
There are plenty of affordable clothing brands that deliver on fresh silhouettes, punchy colors, and playful prints, which can instantly feel elevated and look expensive when pieced together in a clever way. Brands like the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, for example.
For a quick lesson in how to make affordable pieces of clothing look expensive for Spring and Summer, our fashion team is highlighting their favorite pieces from the new May collection and sharing tips for styling each one like a fashion pro. And for more creative styling ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll discover a range of easy yet stylish outfits you can wear to the office, for weekend activities, on vacation, and more.
20 New Statement Earrings So Cute, They'll Be the Highlight of Your Summer Outfits
If I'm not wearing a fabulous pair of earrings, I feel like my outfit is incomplete. They are the cherry on top of my look, so I collect them constantly. Statement earrings have made a serious comeback, and I am so here for it. A good pair can take your outfit from ordinary to fabulous in an instant; it doesn't matter if you're wearing a t-shirt or a cocktail dress.
Whether you're looking for an affordable, on-trend pair or a designer option that will last you years, I have curated an ultimate shopping guide. The best earrings of Summer are all in one place from stores like Nordstrom, H&M, BaubleBar, and Shopbop. I found everything from diamond-encrusted cherries to gold-dipped seashells. No matter what you choose, you'll feel more than ready for the season ahead.
Related: 21 New Sneakers From Nordstrom So Good, Consider Your Savings Account Obliterated
This Isn't News, but J Lo's Met Gala Looks Have Only Evolved From Sexy to Sexier
She may always be Jenny from the block, but if the annual Met Gala has proven anything, it's that Jennifer Lopez has seriously upscale style. J Lo has been a Met Gala staple since 2004, and though her looks (and her dates) have definitely changed over the years, one thing never changes: you can always expect her to be showing off her insanely sexy curves. Check out her 10 Met Gala looks from over the years as she's evolved from playing it safe (alongside then-husband Marc Anthony) to turning heads (alongside soon-to-be-husband Alex Rodriguez), because it's a pretty epic journey.
Ciara Did Her Best to Keep Us Looking Up, but We Were Still Drawn to Her $139 Shoes
The Billboard Music Awards red carpet definitely wasn't short of sexy looks, and one star who really turned up the heat was Ciara. Her Stephane Rolland gown, a modified style from the Fall 2018 collection, featured a dramatic thigh-high split and a deep plunging neckline with a sheer panel and a built-in crystal-embellished choker. All this was finished with a giant billowing bow/flower on the shoulder for a little added drama. Between the showstopping gown and her adorable date (her son, Future), you'd be forgiven for missing the little details . . . but even with all that going on, we found ourselves looking down to her feet.
Though Ciara's gown may have been couture, her shoes were much more affordable. She chose the Donatella Mule from Femme Shoes, which can be yours for $139. They're vegan and cruelty-free, and as you can see on Ciara, they definitely make an impression. That said, with a superhigh stiletto heel and only thin crossover straps to keep them on the feet, these mules aren't for the faint-hearted, and needless to say, the singer swapped them out before embarking on an incredible performance. Keep reading to see how Ciara made them work for the red carpet and to shop a pair for yourself.
Sophie Turner Wore a Silk Jumpsuit to Her Surprise Wedding, and One Can Only Aspire to Look That Cool
Surprise! Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas are officially married. The adorable couple, who got engaged back in October 2017, made things official in Sin City, thanks to an Elvis officiator. If you're thinking this is a prank, you'll be happy to know that E! News confirmed that the couple did in fact obtain a marriage license on May 1. They were already in Vegas for the Billboard Music Awards, where Joe performed with his brothers on stage. Thanks to Diplo, we got to see the nuptials and Sophie's amazing wedding dress firsthand since he live streamed the whole ceremony.
Sophie walked down the aisle to a live performances of Dan + Shay's "Speechless" wearing a sleek, silk white jumpsuit by Bevza. She completed her look with gold Loeffler Randall mules, a sheer veil, and a bouquet of white flowers. Joe beamed happily in a suit while Sophie walked toward him, and they exchanged vows with Ring Pops - pretty amazing, right? Priyanka Chopra, who appeared to be a bridesmaid, was also in attendance. The couple reportedly were planning a Summer wedding in Europe, so maybe we'll see Sophie in another amazing wedding dress then. Read on to check out all angles of Sophie's chic wedding outfit.
10 Royals Whose Met Gala Outfits Are So Stunning, They Deserve to Be Framed
Actresses and models aren't the only fashionable guests who attend the Met Gala. Even royals like Princess Beatrice and Queen Rania of Jordan have made appearances at fashion's biggest night over the years. From Princess Diana's Versace slip dress at the 1995 event to Princess Maria-Olympia's head-turning Balmain minidress in 2016, these red carpet looks are truly unforgettable. Take a look back at the most memorable moments ahead.
Jennifer Aniston's Best Accessory From the '90s Is Being Re-Created Left and Right
When you're looking at photos of Jennifer Aniston in the '90s, you may be graced with the thought, "Hey, I'd wear all of this stuff today!" At least, that's what happened to me as I was scrolling through. Slinky little date night dresses, strappy sandals, and colorful shoulder bags - that's the stuff 2019 trends are made of - and Jen owned all of it. But there's one accessory the actress always had on hand back then (yes, even on the red carpet) that we could easily rewear today: her sunglasses.
Those tiny black frames with rim-less lenses? Pretty sure I just saw those at Topshop. The small gold aviators she wore to watch a tennis match with Vince Vaughn? Brands are practically competing to make the best pair. It's safe to say Jen has the right face shape for any silhouette, since she's been spotted in virtually every style you'll find when you direct your browser to the "sunglasses" page on your favorite retailer site.
Jen's shades may have been simple - there are no quirky heart eyes or blue reflective mirrors here - but that's why they went with almost every outfit she wore, even the ones that veered on the fancier side. Ahead, let us prove to you that Jen's trove of '90s and '00s opticals can be yours for the taking.
z
Your Next Trip Is Covered: 18 Travel Jumpsuits That Are Comfortable, Cute, and Easy to Pack
Sitting on a plane in clothes you constantly have to adjust is annoying. Don't feel restricted by jeans or tight dresses - instead, opt for a comfy jumpsuit. The one-and-done outfit is both stylish and easy to move in. Plus, it's an easy piece to pack in your suitcase. You can dress it up or down if you go for a versatile design. What more could you ask for?
We rounded up our favorite options for you to shop through from sites like Nordstrom, Amazon, Loft, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and more. We made sure to choose options with fabrics that can be packed without getting wrinkly. Consider these pieces your most valued travel companions. We have no doubt these will be your go-to picks all Summer long.
Nordstrom Is Having an Epic Sandal Sale, and These 18 Pairs Are Great Deals
My ears always perk up at the word "discount," so I was obviously thrilled to learn that Nordstrom put tons of sandals on sale. Whether you want a flat pair to walk around in all day or a heeled design to dress up an evening outfit, the site is offering plenty of deals. We found some awesome options at a variety of price points, so treat your feet to something new. They're all great options for both Spring and Summer.
If You Buy One New Item This Month, Make It This $64 Jumpsuit
Whether she's styling our POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's campaign shoots or helping design the next collection, our executive style director, Dana Avidan Cohn, is an expert when it comes to must-have pieces each season. With a classic yet modern aesthetic, Dana is a pro at identifying trends and putting together fresh outfits that feel as smart for the office as they do stylish on weekends or for events.
If you're looking for a few new pieces to spruce up your Spring and Summer lineup, with a little styling advice for pulling them off with a fashion-forward twist, check out five affordable items Dana is loving for May, all from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, ahead.
From a feminine jumpsuit you can wear to weddings to a double-denim outfit that's chic enough for work, you'll definitely want to take a cue from our resident style expert. And for more styling ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's where you'll discover a range of easy-to-wear Summer outfits for the office, weekends, parties, and more.
Articles
