Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 13 avril 2020
Thank You, Dwyane Wade, For Showing Us All How to Make Deep-Fried Red Velvet Oreos
If you're currently reading this while standing in front of an open fridge and trying to decide what to snack on next (aka my routine 10 times a day), I'd like to direct your attention to Dwyane Wade's Instagram account. In a post on Wednesday, Dwyane shared a video of himself cooking up a treat so indulgent that I need a glass of milk just looking at it: deep-fried, red velvet Double Stuf Oreos. (In the caption, Dwayne joked that sweets are his worst enemy.)
The recipe begins by creating a red velvet cake batter from scratch, which includes combining the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Once the red velvet cake batter is made, dip your Double Stuf Oreos into the mixture until fully coated. Next, deep-fry each Oreo for about one minute or until the bubbles around the edge of the cookie start to disappear. Gabrielle and the rest of the family definitely have a delicious dessert to look forward to. See Dwyane's full video here and try the recipe for yourself.
This Montage of David and Alexis's Arguments From Schitt's Creek Includes Every Excellent Burn
If you're self-isolating with siblings, I highly recommend watching Vulture's compilation of David and Alexis Rose's best Schitt's Creek bickering. It's tough to find the humor in your own at-home arguments, but I have no trouble getting a chuckle out of every "Oh my god!" and "Ew, David!" that comes from actors Dan Levy and Annie Murphy. The on-screen brother and sister rarely hold back when they're dishing burns, which makes for some unforgettable one liners. Watch the montage above, covering seasons one through six. It'll help heal any heartache left from the show's emotional series finale.
dimanche 12 avril 2020
More Than Half of Americans Are Unprepared For Emergencies, but I Changed That With 1 Purchase
More than 60 percent of Americans have no emergency plan. Yet with natural disasters happening more frequently, and with bigger impact, having a plan is paramount. Our current public health crisis - in which the entire nation is under a weeks-long state of emergency while the coronavirus continues to spread - served as a wake-up call for my family. We can no longer assume everything is simply going to be OK: we need to take action to make sure it will be.
Judy does more than sell ready-made first-aid bags. It arms you with actionable next steps to be prepared for any disaster.
Enter Judy. The bright-orange emergency-preparedness brand launched just two weeks before the current pandemic made its way to the US, and it offers customized kits for whatever your personal needs are (do you want a waterproof bag you can grab in an evacuation or a fully loaded safe you can hunker down with at home?), whatever your family size is (are you solo, do you have a partner, or are you a family of four?), and whatever your likely disaster scenario will be (are you in a region with earthquakes or tornados or flash floods?).
I, for one, opted for the comprehensive Judy Safe ($250), and although a wave of calm washed over me when it arrived at my doorstep, I haven't had to crack it open yet. Surprisingly, though, I've already put it to good use.
Related: This Pandemic Made Me Realize My Family Had No Plan For Emergencies - Here's What I'm Doing Now
That's because Judy - the first digitally connected emergency kit - does more than sell ready-made first-aid bags. It arms you with actionable next steps to be prepared and offers real-time information, for free, whether you've bought one of its products or not.
11 Online Airbnb Travel Experiences You Can Sign Up For Now, Including a Pasta-Making Class in Italy
Travel might be halted right now, but you can still get out there and explore the world thanks to Airbnb's new Online Experiences. The virtual travel experiences offer a variety of opportunities for people feeling that wanderlust, including workshops with Olympic medalists, virtual trips to Chernobyl, and cooking classes with people from around the world. The experiences allow you to do an activity at home with friends that you might have otherwise only done on vacation, or can bring together professionals who normally work as a team to bond and reconnect. If your group is large, you can even reserve a private experience and request a specific date for booking.
Each of the online experiences are led by hosts from over 30 countries, who give participants access to their culture and traditions even though participants can't physically travel to that destination. Bookings are open with more than 50 virtual experiences available through Airbnb's website. And be on the lookout for even more offerings being added in the coming weeks. All experiences range in price from $1 to $40 and will be hosted on Zoom. Keep reading to see just some of the Airbnb Online Experiences that are being offered!
This Pandemic Made Me Realize My Family Had No Plan For Emergencies - Here's What I'm Doing Now
Years ago when I lived in New York, a hurricane nearly shut down the entire city - there was flooding and blackouts and gas shortages. But in all the chaos, I felt secure. Having lived there through countless other emergency scenarios, my then-boyfriend had us covered. We had a "go-bag" filled with first-aid essentials tucked away under the bed in our studio apartment, and we even had a meetup location in the event of an evacuation.
Since then, we moved to the Midwest - where the threat of natural disasters felt decidedly less imminent - and started a family.
Two kids later, we'd gotten complacent. We no longer had a go-bag. We didn't have a meetup location. We hadn't even discussed how we'd get out of our apartment in the event of a fire. And it clearly wasn't for a lack of understanding. We knew firsthand how devastating emergency scenarios can feel, and yet because of our busy lives, this to-do-list item kept getting buried under more pressing tasks. How easily we'd fallen into the "it won't happen to us" mindset.
Then, of course, we found ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic. Sure, we were lucky that the public health imperative was to simply stay home, but it was a stark reminder that if the circumstances were even slightly different, we wouldn't have been prepared at all.
We were lucky that the imperative during this pandemic was to simply stay home, but it was a reminder that if the circumstances were even slightly different, we wouldn't have been prepared at all.
Turns out, we aren't alone. More than 310 million Americans have been affected by natural disasters in the past 10 years, yet according to a survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 60 percent of American adults are underprepared for an emergency - they haven't "practiced what to do in a disaster by participating in a drill at work, school, or home in the past year." Further, only 39 percent have developed an emergency plan that they discussed with their household. This is all despite the fact that 80 percent of Americans live in counties that have been hit in recent years with a weather-related disaster, whether it be hurricanes, tornados, or the wildfires that ravaged the West Coast this past year.
Simon Huck, the creator of a new line of "ready-kits" called Judy, spent months talking to people across the nation who'd lost their homes or experienced post-traumatic stress and anxiety following such disasters.
"The common denominator in all of these stories was just a fundamental lack of preparedness," Huck told POPSUGAR. "Not only did they not have the physical product, whether it was an emergency kit or tools to help them, but they also had no plan. They had never spoken to their kids about evacuating. A lot of them didn't have their insurance information or passports or house keys or anything you'd need in a large-scale emergency."
Related: What Happens If Your Family Gets COVID-19? Experts Shares Their Experiences
That's what prompted Huck to enlist the help of experts to create an emergency kit that wasn't just a Bandaid-type "fix" to a bigger problem. He didn't want to give people a false sense of security that they could simply buy a bag of curated survival gear to toss in the trunk of their car or the basement of their home without so much as a second thought.
"Yes, it's great to have emergency kits," he said. "Whether you buy one or assemble your own, it's the first step, but it's arguably not the most important one. What's even more important is to have the information, education, and awareness on how to be prepared for all emergencies, which of course we're seeing right now with COVID-19."
That message is certainly an optimistic one, considering most comprehensive kits for a family of four cost upwards of $250. I could splurge on such a fully loaded go-bag, or I could DIY my own by piecing together items that are unique to my location and individual needs, whether that's medication or supplies for a baby or pet. However, the message is also daunting: arming oneself with information is a virtually no-cost endeavor, considering how many free resources are available online, but it requires a great deal of legwork to put all those pieces together.
Related: More Than Half of Americans Are Unprepared For Emergencies, but I Changed That With 1 Purchase
It hasn't been easy, but here's what I'm doing to be prepared:
Buying an Emergency Kit and Reviewing Its Contents
Especially now, in the midst of a pandemic, I don't have the time or resources to cobble together a custom kit, so I ordered a premade one. I felt a wave of calm when it arrived, but the difference this time, versus when our New York go-bag collected dust, is that I immediately opened it up and took it apart. My husband and I reviewed all the items and made sure we understood how each one worked. A hand-crank radio or single-use phone charger might seem simple enough to operate, but better to spend the time now troubleshooting any kinks than when I actually need them.
Stockpiling Enough Food and Water Provisions For 3 Days
Because FEMA recommends that Americans have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food in the event of an emergency, I'm now more careful to keep foods I wouldn't ordinarily buy - pop-top canned foods (like fruits, vegetables, tuna, and beans) and dried foods (powdered milk, crackers, nuts, and cereal) - in my pantry. The agency also advised keeping an additional gallon of water per day per person. For three days for my family, that's 12 total gallons - a lot to store. We're doing our best by having a few gallon water jugs in our car and near our emergency kit.
Creating a Hard-Copy List of Important Information
I'm filling out an emergency checklist of important phone numbers, from doctors and veterinarians to a reliable out-of-state contact who, in the event of power loss, can "serve as a family switchboard operator," Simon said. I've had important documents, like my will and insurance policies, filed away in a Google Docs drive, but I'm now printing important paperwork and keeping them stored alongside my family's passports and birth certificates and some extra cash. The location of these items, as well as the location of our fire extinguisher and emergency kit, will also be listed on my checklist so everyone in my family can rely on it as a guide. My husband and I have also designated a family meetup location, which I'm writing out on this checklist as well.
Talking to My Kids About Potential Emergencies
All members of the family should know about their designated meeting place and the location of essential items. That means parents should start a conversation about potential emergencies now. Huck noted adults might be surprised with how receptive children are. "There is a blind spot around emergencies, and a lot of times, kids know more than parents do," Huck said. "Most children know more about earthquake preparedness - or what to do in a fire or tornado - than their parents because it's mandated in schools."
Talking to Friends and Neighbors About Potential Emergencies
I didn't realize that when I exchanged house keys with my downstairs neighbor - a safety measure in case one of us ever got locked out - how invaluable that would be during this pandemic. They left town in advance of our city's shelter-in-place mandate, and having access to their home meant I could get them necessary information they'd forgotten to write down, and she let me raid her pantry for any Lysol wipes or other provisions we couldn't get in the store. Research shows that people who share the responsibility of being prepared with neighbors, friends, and relatives are better suited in a disaster, so I plan to make more connections to figure out how the other residents in my building can help one another when surprises hit.
Practicing Drills Once Every 3 Months
I added a recurring reminder in my phone to practice safety drills with my family, and although I'm sure I'll have the urge to shrug it off once life goes back to normal and we feel that sense of complacency again, I'm hopeful that a three-month check-in is infrequent enough to not feel overwhelming but often enough to keep us sharp. Even the simple act of reviewing our family's checklist with my husband will be a good way to remain confident that, in a crisis, we have a plan.
It's not a matter of if a disaster will happen, but when.
It's true that hardly any of these precautions would have made a difference with the coronavirus and our current shelter-in-place mandate. There's no "stop, drop, and roll" technique to learn, there's no radio to crank, and there's no shortage of the electricity or internet access necessary to contact loved ones or Google best practices for social distancing.
But my lack of preparations up until this moment have inspired me to make sure my family is ready for the next emergency. Because if recent history has proven anything about natural disasters, it's that it's not a matter of if one will happen, but when.
It's Totally Fine If Your Kids Binge on Screens During Coronavirus - Here's Why
On a typical day, you might plop your toddler in front of a screen so you can take a shower, or you might grant your preschooler a chunk of iPad time while you make dinner. You might offer an extra Netflix show at the end of the day if they completed their chores, and you've probably set up some general guidelines for how much time they can spend on their devices.
"If this means a lot of tablet time and that annoying Paw Patrol song ringing through your house while you juggle conference calls, so be it."
But, this isn't a typical day. With offices and schools closing across the nation, many working parents are expected to clock in from their couches while keeping their children occupied. Whatever notions you had about screen time should be tossed aside for a survivalist strategy that simply gets everyone in your house through the day. "If that means a lot of tablet time and that annoying Paw Patrol theme song ringing through your house again and again while you juggle conference calls, so be it," said Lindsay Powers, the author of the forthcoming book You Can't F*ck Up Your Kids and founder of the "No Shame Parenting" movement. We spoke with the mom of two about how to balance your preconceived concerns over screen time with your family's new reality.
What Parents Should Know About Pre-Existing Screen Time "Rules"
Powers noted that the stigma surrounding acceptable screen times has more to do with parental guilt than the research. "The fact that we're even questioning whether screen time is acceptable shows how loaded the topic has become," she told POPSUGAR. She even got Dr. Jenny Radesky, who cowrote the American Academy of Pediatrics' screen time guidelines, to admit to her reliance on them. The pediatrician's own children watch YouTube.
"Parents afraid of letting their kids watch a little screen time is bananas," Radesky joked in the book. "I have an eight-year-old who's obsessed with soccer. He watches videos like, 'the top 10 goals of all time.' It's not problematic if it's like, 'Hey, I have a phone call. Can you watch some YouTube for 30 minutes and then we'll go outside and do something?"
Even Vassar neuroscientist Abigail Baird cautioned parents' perception that screens are the enemy. "It's important to remember that screens are a tool," she once told the brain science nonprofit Dana Foundation. "Think of a hammer. Yes, you could murder someone with a hammer, but most people don't. They use it to build and create and fix. There isn't enough good science to tell us when, or even if, technology as a tool is going to be a problem yet."
The same philosophy can be applied to fears that children will become addicted to screens – a risk that, while serious, isn't all that common, according to Powers.
In the end, the key hope with the AAP's guidelines is not to scare parents away from screens, but to encourage them to find the right fit for their needs. Powers noted that the AAP recommendations focus on the content our kids are consuming – ideally age-appropriate, somewhat-educational shows – and how long they're watching. But a child exists within a family context, and she said "the rules can be thrown out the window temporarily when a family's situation has changed."
What Parents Should Consider as They Add on Screen Time
Although the circumstances are certainly different with many families under self-quarantine and mandatory isolation, Powers said that parents confused on how to adjust their kids' quantity of screen time can first consider applying the same allotment as they do when they're traveling - think of how you'd handle a long flight - or when you've got a sick kiddo.
You can certainly set your kid up with a lengthy Netflix queue, but it helps to check in every once in awhile, especially because of how videos autoplay after another ends.
"Parents afraid of letting their kids watch a little screen time is bananas."
"When my older son was 3, he once requested videos of 'muddy jeeps,'" Powers told POPSUGAR. "My husband found a bunch on YouTube and then, feeling satisfied with fulfilling our son's random request so well, jumped into the shower. When he emerged from the bathroom 15 minutes later, our son was watching videos of naked women playing mud volleyball thanks to YouTube's wacky algorithm."
Powers advised that, a couple of times a day, have conversations with your kids about what they're watching. And although it might be tempting to give them hours at a time, Powers suggested parents break up screen time with other activities like coloring or playing with toys.
But again, if a major binge session happens, don't beat yourself up. Powers interviewed Carline Knorr from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that helps families navigate technology and entertainment, who said that it's more practical to strive for an overall weekly - not daily - balance. "If your three-year-old . . . watches three hours of Daniel Tiger one day, just make sure the next day is less screen intensive," Knorr said.
What Parents Should Do When Things Return to Normal
Powers told POPSUGAR that a common concern among parents fearful of loosening the reins on their screen schedules even the slightest is because it'll be impossible to push it back later. Just like you would if you allowed your kids extra screen time while home for the holidays or on a road trip, whenever you resume your regular routine, simply resume your regular screen rules as well.
"That is exactly what we'll do when school, and normal life, resumes," Powers said. "We're going to dial it back."
She suggested a simple script parents can use: "Hey, we watched a lot of TV and played with our tablets a lot when a lot of people were sick. But now, so many people are feeling better, so we're going to return to playing outside rather than just watching TV."
But, again, Powers implored that parents cross that bridge when we get to it. For many in quarantine, it will be weeks before anything changes. Her advice: "Let's stop beating ourselves up about screens in the meantime."
Coronavirus: Should You Wear a Face Mask When You Run? Here's What a Doctor Says
On April 3, the Centers For Disease Control announced a new recommendation: that all Americans wear cloth face masks in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In most parts of the country, it's still considered safe to walk and run outside as long as you stay six feet away from others at all times. But what do the new face mask guidelines mean for outdoor runners and walkers? According to Steven Mayer, MD, a sports medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Running Medicine Clinic, it means you may have to cover your nose and mouth before you hit the pavement.
The CDC is "encouraging people to wear a mask in public to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus," Dr. Mayer told POPSUGAR. "I believe that outdoor runners have to consider this recommendation seriously depending on their planned running route." If you are going to run on a busy trail or sidewalk where you might encounter a lot of people, "it would be advisable to have some form of facial covering," Dr. Mayer said.
If you're positive that you won't see or pass anyone on your running route, he said, it's reasonable to run outside without a mask. This could be the case if you live in a more rural, less densely populated area, or if you're running at a time of day when few people are out, such as early in the morning. "If you are going to run on safe side streets and avoid other people completely, and do not anticipate ever coming within six feet of other people, it is reasonable to consider running without a mask," Dr. Mayer said.
The decision to wear a face mask is an important one for runners because face masks can affect your breathing and the quality of your run. "Running with a mask is a more difficult endurance task than running without one," Dr. Mayer explained. "It certainly takes more effort to breathe, as the mask does inhibit the flow of air to some extent." A mask can also be a source of uncomfortable heat on your face.
For runners, Dr. Mayer suggested one potential solution: making your own face mask using more comfortable fabrics. "A moisture-wicking type of material may be more comfortable," he noted. You could cut up a sweat-wicking running shirt to create a mask that sits more comfortably on your face and won't collect moisture from your breath or sweat. The CDC offers instructions on how to create cloth face masks at home, including a no-sew option. Make sure the mask completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly on the sides of your face.
You could also consider wearing a ski-style face mask or neck gaiter around your mouth and nose, though Dr. Mayer noted that this type of material may have small holes to provide airflow. Such masks would be less effective, and it would be even more crucial to stay six feet away from others while you run.
Considering the current CDC guidelines, Dr. Mayer concluded that it is safe to run outside without a mask or facial covering as long as:
- You are not sick and aren't showing coronavirus symptoms, such as coughing, fever, or shortness of breath
- You completely avoid other people during your run
If you're running on a busier trail or in an area with other people around, "a mask at this time is recommended," Dr. Mayer said. Even when wearing a mask, you should still remain six feet away from other people at all times. Here are more doctor-approved tips on maintaining distance and staying safe while running outside.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
What Happens If Your Family Gets COVID-19? Experts Shares Their Experiences
For many young families, we're spending so much time doing our best to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus that we haven't fully prepared ourselves for what we should do if we - or another member of our household - contracts COVID-19.
Sasha Romary, a postpartum doula and sleep consultant for the online resource Cleo, and her husband were both infected and had to simultaneously care for their two children, including their 4-year-old son who also showed mild symptoms in line with the virus.
"It started with a head cold and then onto the fever, chills, headache, and shortness of breath," said Sasha, who noted that she and her husband had some "mild stomach issues" the week before that may have been connected. "The shortness of breath was a real struggle. It felt like I was in extremely high altitude with a dull pain when I tried to breathe in fully."
Related: Can Kids Have Play Dates or Hit Up the Playground? Here's Why Doctors Are Giving a Hard No
What You Should Do If You Start to Feel Sick
One of the most shocking aspects of their COVID experience was, Sasha told POPSUGAR, "how difficult it was to reach someone." She said that no one ever called them back to get tested: "We were brushed off as not a priority."
"I was also shocked at how difficult it was to reach someone and how we were brushed off as not a priority."
A low-priority status might be what otherwise healthy parents in their 30s and 40s should expect as hospitals are overwhelmed with more and more intensive cases. Rebekah Wheeler, a registered nurse and certified midwife who is a lead adviser for Cleo, explained that screening tests are, as of now, limited to cases where someone requires hospitalization or where their doctor has ordered a test because of known exposure or other health conditions that make them higher risk for severe symptoms.
Still, she recommended that as soon as families show any symptoms, they "figure out how your pediatric provider and your own primary care provider are handling virtual visits." In fact, even before anyone is sick, she advised working parents check their own company's telemedicine options while they have the time and energy to do so.
Then, Rebekah said, stay put.
"Don't go into the clinic or hospital," she warned. "You'll just risk infecting others, acquiring the infection yourselves if you or your kid didn't have it already, and there's no treatment for mild cases beyond what you can already give at home."
How You Should Care For Kids Showing COVID-19 Symptoms
Parents may never know for certain if their child contracted COVID-19 or just a run-of-the-mill virus. Because most kids have very mild illnesses, they will never get screened.
Still, Rebekah noted that parents should take note if their child's symptoms present as a fever or dry cough - without much mucous or phlegm.
"Tylenol and fever reducers are key," Rebekah said. "Stick to over-the-counter medications approved by your pediatric provider. Keeping kids hydrated, fed, and rested are also important."
Related: How Parents Can Tell the Difference Between Cold and Coronavirus Symptoms
How You Should Care For Kids If You Are Showing COVID-19 Symptoms
It's not likely, but if you are sick and your partner or another adult within your home is not symptomatic, it is recommended that you quarantine yourself.
"Separate the sick folks in the household from those who aren't sick," Rebekah said. "If possible, that's a separate room, including a separate bathroom." If there's only one shared bathroom, cleaning surfaces with disinfectant is essential.
If this setup means a parent is isolated from their kids, she suggested doorway visits, maintaining six feet of space, and other "distance games" so they can still feel connected. "Let them see the sick parent and that they're OK," she said. "Let them do virtual visits, too. Watch movies 'together' by syncing up two screens. Play music and sing together."
How You Should Care For Kids If Both Parents Are Showing COVID-19 Symptoms
Unfortunately for Sasha, because both she and her husband were simultaneously sick, they couldn't isolate themselves even if they wanted to.
"Isolating within your home is so challenging, especially with kids," she said. "They cuddle, share germs, put everything in their mouths. Given that we probably were exposed much earlier than when we actually showed symptoms and were unaware, I think it would have been pretty impossible in our case. We have a small apartment, and there would not be a way to isolate one person from the rest of the family."
"Some shifts [with our kids] were only 10 to 15 minutes before we needed to tap out."
So, the parents took shifts caring for their kids. "Some shifts were only 10 to 15 minutes before we needed to tap out," Sasha said. After awhile, they were able to extend it to an hour or two.
Rebekah concurred that's the best many families in similar situations can do, and that if all adults in a household are sick, it's highly unlikely that the kids haven't been exposed. Still, it's impossible to predict how families will respond to COVID-19.
"The severity of symptoms varies tremendously, even within a family, often leaving one parent flat out on their back and the other pretty well functioning," she said, adding that parents should "use whatever energy and resources you have to get through it" while still doing their best to "wash hands before touching their kids, wipe down surfaces, and all lay low together."
Of course, she made clear that anyone with preexisting conditions should be carefully considered: "If you have a child with particular risks for severe disease, you may want to do everything possible to not expose them to actively sick parents."
For Sasha, the symptoms came and were completely gone within 10 days. Her 4-year-old felt completely better after just three days, and she was "at 80 percent" within a week.
How Families Affected By COVID-19 Can Receive Support
For working parents who qualify for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (the program that typically supports parents following the birth or adoption of a child with 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected parental leave), they may be eligible for some support in the event that they or a dependent contracts COVID-19.
For many, that means they are eligible for up to six weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or others. "You will need a medical provider to sign off on this paperwork," Rebekah noted. "Make sure you tell them when symptoms start and when they resolve so they have a record. Find out now how your HR wants you to request and file this information as companies are just coming up with policies, and you have way more energy to deal with it now than you will if and when you're sick."
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
Jimmy Fallon's Daughter Loses Her Tooth While He Interviews Ciara Because WFH Life Is Fun
If you are still wondering how parents are working without their kids getting quite literally up in their business all day, let Jimmy Fallon and Ciara simultaneously remind you that they're not.
On the latest episode of The Tonight Show: At Home Edition, Jimmy was interviewing Ciara and Russell Wilson about how they donated a million meals to Feeding America when his 6-year-old daughter Winnie burst through the (ahem) closed door.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Winnie can be heard shouting offscreen as Jimmy puts on his best "I'm doing something important – do not come in here" face.
But then, she explains: "Daddy, I lost my tooth!"
And just like we've all had to do during these times, Jimmy switched gears instantly: "Wait, hold on. Come here right now. Sorry. "What?! What do you mean? Show me!"
He scoops her up and implores Winnie to tell Ciara and Russell "the big news." She explained that her mom, Nancy Juvonen, "put a string around my tooth and tried to pull it out, and it worked," which prompted Ciara to share a story about how her son's first tooth popped out. Jimmy then shared the Ziploc baggie with Winnie's sixth tooth in it, and everyone started talking coyly about the Tooth Fairy until his youngest daughter, Franny, burst in. Eventually, they were able to return to the business at hand, but, as Jimmy said, "You guys clearly know what it's like."
Oh, we do, Jimmy. We really do.
Brace Yourself: These 40 Pics of Little Fires Everywhere's Luke Bracey Are Dangerously Hot
If you think the Hemsworth brothers are the hottest thing from Australia, then you clearly haven't laid your eyes on Luke Bracey. The 30-year-old Australian actor is seriously steamy, and though he only appeared in one episode of Hulu's Little Fires Everywhere, he left quite an impression. In the series, he plays Elena's hot journalist ex-boyfriend, Jamie, who rocks wireframe glasses better than just about anyone. You also might recognize him as Cobra Commander from G.I. Joe: Retaliation, David Mason from The November Man, or Dawson Cole from The Best of Me. If his name still isn't ringing a bell, check out the gallery ahead for 40 sexy reasons why you should get to know him.
The 15 Greatest Supernatural Monster-of-the-Week Episodes
Despite the finale being delayed, Supernatural is likely still signing off in 2020. Before we say goodbye to Sam and Dean for good, it's time to look back on a few of the episodes that make the series endlessly rewatchable. As much as I enjoy the show's overarching mythology, Supernatural's monster-of-the-week episodes are the ones that I revisit over and over again. The episodes that focus on the Winchester brothers hitting the road to solve a mystery tend to be the most comforting episodes - even when they make me sleep with the lights on. The inventiveness of season 11's "Baby," season three's surprisingly emotional "Mystery Spot," and the real scares in season one's "Bloody Mary" are just a few examples of just how much fun it is to leave the battles between heaven and hell behind and focus on what the Winchesters do best: save people and hunt things.
With 15 seasons worth of episodes to choose from, a list of the best Supernatural monster-of-the-week episodes could be practically endless, so I've made some hard cuts (I still love you, "Ghostfacers"). But at the end of the day, these 15 Supernatural episodes showcase why this show has endured for 15 years, and earned a legion of devoted fans in the process.
Try Coach Monica Aldama's Total-Body Workout to Be as Strong as a Navarro Cheerleader
Navarro Cheer's season may have been cut short, but as fans of Netflix's Cheer know, Coach Monica Aldama isn't one to let circumstances keep her down. The at-home workout she shared on Instagram is a quick, effective way to work up a sweat and lift your mood whenever you need it, the inspiring coach says at the start of the video.
"One thing that's so important during times of uncertainty like this is your mental health," she explains, adding that exercise releases endorphins that can help you feel good. Aldama demos the moves herself (with cameos from her dogs) and we can tell that this fast workout will leave us dripping sweat. Check out the routine below and keep reading for an in-depth explainer on each exercise.
Monica Aldama's At-Home Workout
Directions: Start with a dynamic warmup, then begin the following workout. For each move, do as many reps as you can for 30 seconds, then move on to the next move. (Hold the plank for 30 seconds). Repeat the circuit for five rounds, taking a 10-second rest between each round. Cool down with a walk and stretch session.
Equipment needed: A mat or comfortable floor and an optional weight (medicine ball, dumbbell, or weight substitute) for squats.
- Plank: 30 seconds
- Air squat: 30 seconds
- Mountain climbers: 30 seconds
- Toe tap: 30 seconds
- Plank with shoulder tap: 30 seconds
Can We Just Discuss Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford's Remarkable Love Story?
Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford have been married since 2012, but their love story started many years ago. It actually started back when they were kids, which is so sweet we can hardly stand it. Marcus, of the band Mumford and Sons, and Carey apparently went to the same church camp when they were young and stayed in touch as pen pals for awhile before losing touch. Yep, these two used to write old-fashioned notes to each other.
They moved on, though, and dated other people before meeting again in 2011. Carey showed up with Jake Gyllenhaal in tow at a Mumford and Sons party in the states and Marcus and Carey were spotted together soon after that looking pretty loved up. It was a whirlwind romance from then on - the two were married the following year and now have two kids, Evelyn and Wilfred.
What's even sweeter, though, is that Carey told The Telegraph even after they got married that she values love notes, and that the two would sometimes still write them to each other.
And despite how busy each of their careers are, this pair always supports each other. Aside from sending each other love notes, Carey pops up at Mumford and Sons shows when she can, and Marcus is Carey's biggest cheerleader for all of her roles. Carey even helped Marcus in his recent Instagram debut by directing his videos for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon's concerts from home. Marcus shared his outtakes on Instagram and said his kids are screaming, his dog is barking, and his wife is directing the video, and jokingly asked what could go wrong.
That's a whole mood, and we love it.
The couple tends to be pretty low-key, but we're hoping that now that Marcus has joined Instagram we might get some adorable photos of his home life - including pictures with Carey (and the kids and dog, of course). But if nothing else, we're just happy knowing that these two long-lost pen pals found love in the end.
This 5-Day No-Equipment Workout Is the Perfect Stress Buster
If there was ever a time to start releasing endorphins to boost your mood, it's now. But if you're feeling lost because you can't get to the gym or barre studio, you can still get a good sweat right at home with no equipment at all.
Follow this five-day plan from Mauro S. Maietta, a certified personal trainer and district fitness manager at Crunch Fitness. You'll do the same quick warmup and cooldown each day followed by a mix of strength-training moves and cardio to build muscle and burn calories. We start this plan on Monday, but you can begin at any time, just make sure to give yourself two full rest days. Build on the plan each week by increasing the reps of each exercise and shortening the rest time between circuits.
Try Coach Monica Aldama's Total-Body Workout to Be as Strong as a Navarro Cheerleader
Navarro Cheer's season may have been cut short, but as fans of Netflix's Cheer know, Coach Monica Aldama isn't one to let circumstances keep her down. The at-home workout she shared on Instagram is a quick, effective way to work up a sweat and lift your mood whenever you need it, the inspiring coach says at the start of the video.
"One thing that's so important during times of uncertainty like this is your mental health," she explains, adding that exercise releases endorphins that can help you feel good. Aldama demos the moves herself (with cameos from her dogs) and we can tell that this fast workout will leave us dripping sweat. Check out the routine below and keep reading for an in-depth explainer on each exercise.
Monica Aldama's At-Home Workout
Directions: Start with a dynamic warmup, then begin the following workout. For each move, do as many reps as you can for 30 seconds, then move on to the next move. (Hold the plank for 30 seconds). Repeat the circuit for five rounds, taking a 10-second rest between each round. Cool down with a walk and stretch session.
Equipment needed: A mat or comfortable floor and an optional weight (medicine ball, dumbbell, or weight substitute) for squats.
- Plank: 30 seconds
- Air squat: 30 seconds
- Mountain climbers: 30 seconds
- Toe tap: 30 seconds
- Plank with shoulder tap: 30 seconds
This 5-Day No-Equipment Workout Is the Perfect Stress Buster
If there was ever a time to start releasing endorphins to boost your mood, it's now. But if you're feeling lost because you can't get to the gym or barre studio, you can still get a good sweat right at home with no equipment at all.
Follow this five-day plan from Mauro S. Maietta, a certified personal trainer and district fitness manager at Crunch Fitness. You'll do the same quick warmup and cooldown each day followed by a mix of strength-training moves and cardio to build muscle and burn calories. We start this plan on Monday, but you can begin at any time, just make sure to give yourself two full rest days. Build on the plan each week by increasing the reps of each exercise and shortening the rest time between circuits.
Aim Your Arrow at One of These 36 Sagittarius Baby Names
Babies who arrive between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21 are Sagittarians. This sign, which follows Scorpio in the Zodiac, is represented by the archer - a centaur holding a bow and arrow - and ruled by the largest planet, Jupiter. So it's no surprise that Sagittarians are boundless with their generosity, energy, and curiosity. Freedom is vital for these philosophical souls born under the ninth sign of the zodiac, so they love travel and adventure. These enthusiastic fire signs like to be in touch with the world. If you're expecting a little Sagittarius, take inspiration from these associations with the following baby name suggestions.
Names For Sagittarius Girls
- Artemis - the Greek Goddess of the hunt and archery
- Ascella - a star in the Sagittarius constellation
- Barbara - this Latin name means "traveler from a foreign land"
- Beatrice/Beatrix - this Latin name means "voyager"
- Beryl - one of the gemstones associated with Sagittarius
- Caroline - this English name means "free person"
- Gypsy - this Old English name means "traveler/wanderer"
- LaWanda - this American name means "little wanderer"
- Merida - the Disney Princess in Brave, who was an archer
- Peregrina - this Latin name means "wanderer"
- Philippa/Pippa - this Greek name (from Philip) means "lover of horses"
- Rosalind - this Old German name means "tender horse"
- Rosamund/Roz - this Old German name means "horse protection"
- Topaz - one of the gemstones associated with Sagittarius
- Traviata - this Italian name means "astray/wanderer"
- Wanda - this German name means "wanderer"
- Wendelin - this Teutonic name means "wanderer"
- Yvonne/Yvette - this French name means "archer"
Names For Sagittarius Boys
- Apollo - the Greek God of archery
- Archer - this Old English name means "bowman, archer"
- Archibald - this Teutonic name means "bold archer"
- Bevan - this Welsh name means "archer"
- Bowman – this English surname means "archer"
- Chiron – a centaur in Greek mythology
- Christopher - the patron saint of travelers
- Doran - this Irish Gaelic name means "wanderer"
- Errol - this Scottish name means "wandering"
- Fletcher - this Old French name means "arrow maker"
- Ibsen - this Teutonic name means "son of the archer"
- Ivar/Ivor - this Scandinavian/Old Norse name means "archer"
- Jupiter – the ruling planet of Sagittarius
- Pholos - a centaur in Greek mythology
- Robin - from the English folklore figure of Robin Hood, who was an archer
- Stig - this Old Norse name means "wanderer"
- Toxotes - the Greek name used to describe the mythic Sagittarius centaur
- Yve/Yves - this French name means "the little archer"
Currently Waiting For Pete Davidson's Drake-Inspired Song to Hit No. 1 on the Charts
Pete Davidson is using Drake's musical formula to create a Saturday Night Live banger. During SNL's all-remote episode on April 11, Davison premiered a hilarious parody of Drake's music in a clip simply titled "Drake Music Video." Channeling the Canadian rapper, Davidson rocks a puffer coat with a beanie while dancing around his home (something Drake literally just did in his "Toosie Slide" music video). "This is a Drake song," Davidson sings. "I miss my ex. This is a Drake song. No. 1 on the Billboard." Bada-bing, bada-boom - that's how you make a Drake-inspired jam. Watch the video above, and don't be surprised if Drake and Davidson end up collaborating!
Currently Waiting For Pete Davidson's Drake-Inspired Song to Hit No. 1 on the Charts
Pete Davidson is using Drake's musical formula to create a Saturday Night Live banger. During SNL's all-remote episode on April 11, Davison premiered a hilarious parody of Drake's music in a clip simply titled "Drake Music Video." Channeling the Canadian rapper, Davidson rocks a puffer coat with a beanie while dancing around his home (something Drake literally just did in his "Toosie Slide" music video). "This is a Drake song," Davidson sings. "I miss my ex. This is a Drake song. No. 1 on the Billboard." Bada-bing, bada-boom - that's how you make a Drake-inspired jam. Watch the video above, and don't be surprised if Drake and Davidson end up collaborating!
Leave It to Tom Hanks to Deliver the Perfect Virtual Monologue in Historic SNL Episode
Saturday Night Live made a historic virtual return on April 11 after taking a filming hiatus due to coronavirus concerns. And what better way to open the show than with a monologue from Tom Hanks? The 63-year-old actor, aka "America's dad," kicked things off with a health update after he and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19 back in March. "My wife and I, we're doing fine, we're doing great," he said. "We're hunkered down like all of us should be. In fact, this suit - this is the first time I've worn anything other than sweatpants since March 11." Relatable.
He then did a Q&A with an "audience," which literally was Hanks . . . in different costumes. Hey, we've all got to make the most out of our self-isolation experience. Watch Hanks open the SNL episode in the clip above!
Leave It to Tom Hanks to Deliver the Perfect Virtual Monologue in Historic SNL Episode
Saturday Night Live made a historic virtual return on April 11 after taking a filming hiatus due to coronavirus concerns. And what better way to open the show than with a monologue from Tom Hanks? The 63-year-old actor, aka "America's dad," kicked things off with a health update after he and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19 back in March. "My wife and I, we're doing fine, we're doing great," he said. "We're hunkered down like all of us should be. In fact, this suit - this is the first time I've worn anything other than sweatpants since March 11." Relatable.
He then did a Q&A with an "audience," which literally was Hanks . . . in different costumes. Hey, we've all got to make the most out of our self-isolation experience. Watch Hanks open the SNL episode in the clip above!
27 Exciting Debut Authors You Can Support During the Shutdowns
An author's debut novel is an incredible and exciting achievement - which is why it's so disappointing that many debut authors have had their launches affected by the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. From early Spring debuts that had no time to build momentum to Summer debuts with canceled book tours and more, these authors and many more have had this major moment overshadowed by the global pandemic. Luckily, being under lockdown is a great time to get some reading done, and there's no better thing than to support some of these authors whose debuts aren't quite unfolding the way they might have dreamed. Ahead, we've rounded up over two dozen amazing debut novels, perfect for a broad range of genres, interests, and demographics. Keep reading to see which debut authors you definitely shouldn't miss in the next few months!
I'm a Self-Proclaimed Queen of Cozy, and This "Cloud" Pullover Is All I'm Wearing These Days
I love cozy mystery novels, cozy home decor, and more than anything, cozy loungewear. I don't mess around with scratchy sweaters, paper-thin sweatpants, or any piece of clothing that commits the cardinal sin of being soft on the outside but uncomfy on the inside. Even before we all started spending a lot more time at home, I was stocked up on fleece-lined slipper socks, fluffy robes, and buttery soft pjs, but after Zoom-ing in the same outfit more days in a row than I'd like to admit, I decided it was time to add another cozy staple to my closet.
Enter: the Aerie Cloud Sherpa Oversized Pullover ($33, originally $55). "Cloud" is right! From the moment this supersoft pillowy pullover touched my body, I knew I'd be living in it for the foreseeable future. Made from 100 percent polyester, it's the coziest piece of loungewear I own, soft inside and out, and keeps me nice and toasty as I work, puzzle, and read from home. It comes in a wide range of sizes from XXS to XXL, and fits oversize, so I'd recommend ordering your typical size for that relaxed fit. And the best part? It has pockets! Like, the legit kind that you can use for your phone and it won't fall out. Perfect if you're pairing it with pocket-less leggings.
Oh yeah, and Aerie is having a major sale right now, so snag it while it's only $33! Shop all the colors ahead.
I'm a Self-Proclaimed Queen of Cozy, and This "Cloud" Pullover Is All I'm Wearing These Days
I love cozy mystery novels, cozy home decor, and more than anything, cozy loungewear. I don't mess around with scratchy sweaters, paper-thin sweatpants, or any piece of clothing that commits the cardinal sin of being soft on the outside but uncomfy on the inside. Even before we all started spending a lot more time at home, I was stocked up on fleece-lined slipper socks, fluffy robes, and buttery soft pjs, but after Zoom-ing in the same outfit more days in a row than I'd like to admit, I decided it was time to add another cozy staple to my closet.
Enter: the Aerie Cloud Sherpa Oversized Pullover ($33, originally $55). "Cloud" is right! From the moment this supersoft pillowy pullover touched my body, I knew I'd be living in it for the foreseeable future. Made from 100 percent polyester, it's the coziest piece of loungewear I own, soft inside and out, and keeps me nice and toasty as I work, puzzle, and read from home. It comes in a wide range of sizes from XXS to XXL, and fits oversize, so I'd recommend ordering your typical size for that relaxed fit. And the best part? It has pockets! Like, the legit kind that you can use for your phone and it won't fall out. Perfect if you're pairing it with pocket-less leggings.
Oh yeah, and Aerie is having a major sale right now, so snag it while it's only $33! Shop all the colors ahead.
Semana Santa Has Changed For Mi Familia, but This Year, We’re Going Back to Basics - Virtually
Ever since mis hermanos y yo became adults, Easter at home took a different turn. We all followed our dreams, which took us to different countries, and things obviously changed. They'll be a new type of different this year, so I'm looking back on old traditions to create new ones in which we all can be together - even if it's virtually.
When we were little we'd get the whole Semana Santa off, and retreat just outside of Santo Domingo - where we lived - in a modest house my dad built from the ground up that became our refuge in a way.
Our days were very low key, with tíos and tías that were not really blood related - but who we still considered family - popping up here and there to hang out, take a dip in the pool, grill some meat on the BBQ, and have some drinks.
On Maundy Thursday we'd drive to our church in the city for "el lavado de los pies" and after mass, we'd go church hopping to see how each place of worship was celebrating Holy Week. At night, we'd go back to our refuge. Friday and Saturday were very quiet, as we were supposed to be mourning the death of Jesus, so we weren't allowed to be loud, play music that wasn't classical music, or take part in anything that resembled a celebration.
Related: Why Semana Santa Was More Than Spring Break in My Household
At night, my siblings and I would watch the many movies about the passion of Christ that the local channels would broadcast, and anxiously wait for Easter. On Easter Sunday my mom would surprise us with kits to decorate our own Easter eggs, and then my siblings and I had to go get ready for la visita - there was always visita coming that day.
As we got ready, my parents hid the eggs in the backyard, and then we had to go find them. Once the visita arrived, the music would get louder, dancing would ensue, and the whole day felt like a big, happy party. Late in the afternoon, we'd pack up and head back to the city, stopping at church first for the Domingo de Resurrección mass, which was another big celebration where hugs, kisses, and congratulations floated around in a cheerful environment.
As my siblings and I got older and went to college, Semana Santa became a long weekend instead of the whole week, from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. My parents would try to scope where most of our friends would be spending their days off so we could all have a nice family-friends balance, and the only rule now was that on Friday we were not allowed to party, and we had to wait until at least 10pm on Saturday before we went out, out of respect for Jesus. On Sunday, family time - most likely lunch - was mandatory.
Related: How Celebrating Passover Brought Me Closer to My Catholic Upbringing
Eventually, my siblings and I moved out to different countries - all 3 of us - so Easter became more of a "celebrate how you can" holiday. However, with the world's turn of events, we've been trying to go back to the things that really make us feel safe, which for us, is family. We've agreed on a Zoom lunch/dinner - since we're in different time zones too - where everyone is required to cook something to bring to the virtual table.
Casual attire is preferred, just so we can get out of our PJs and actually put some effort, and our best attitude is required. As for me in particular, I think I'll also live stream a mass even though I'm not necessarily the most religious person anymore. I do think that holding onto the things from your past that made you comfortable can bring a lot of peace, and after all, I was taught that this holiday is about Jesus anyways, so might as well honor that in the process.
Articles
