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.
mardi 9 juin 2020
It's Been 18 Years and the Bachelor Franchise Hasn't Done Much to Improve Its Diversity Issue
Chris Harrison and Rachel Lindsay at season 24's Women Tell All special.
When you're a lover of dating shows who also happens to be Black, you come to expect certain things when watching a show like The Bachelor. You may hedge bets on how far Black contestants will make it because, unless the bachelor or bachelorette is notably interested in them, it's unlikely they'll get very far. You wonder how long it will take for them to be labeled "aggressive" or spotlighted as a villain for being outspoken. You also cautiously scroll through the #BachelorNation tag on Twitter fearing that other fans of the show will reveal their uglier sides when it comes to contestants that look more like you than they're used to.
That's the sad reality for fans of color when it comes to enjoying Bachelor shows, and former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay is pretty damn tired of it. "If we're going around talking about Black Lives Matter and what's important and how we need systemic change . . . well then let's talk about systemic change when it comes to The Bachelor. We got to change some things there, too," Lindsay said during an AfterBuzz TV Reality TV interview on June 5.
"I ultimately decided to be the Bachelorette because I knew this opportunity was bigger than me."
The sole Black lead in the franchise's 18-year history, Lindsay has always been vocal about her thoughts on the show, its lack of diversity, and how its carried on since her season. "When I was asked to be the Bachelorette, I knew this was asking something completely different from me. I ultimately decided to be the Bachelorette because I knew this opportunity was bigger than me," she wrote in her blog on Monday morning. "I knew that I wanted to present myself to an audience that had not seen a lead of color in this role. I knew that I wanted to be a trailblazer in this franchise to diversify the lead role, to diversify the contestants trying out and casted for the show, and to diversify the audience watching this show."
Which she definitely did - Lindsay's season notably had more Black and brown contestants than we've ever seen, and it was a great insight into dating as a Black woman. But three years after her season, nothing has changed. Though an uptick in diverse contestants has been seen in recent seasons, the franchise has still only ever had two Latinx leads: American-born Venezuelan former soccer player Juan Pablo Galavis and half-Cuban pilot Peter Weber. And the contestants who nab that final rose, whether the leads are white or not, have been predominantly white.
Both Lindsay and former fan-favorite Bachelorette contestant Mike Johnson have raised similar concerns when it comes to how ABC sustains that lack of diversity by selecting similar people every season. When Johnson was passed over in favor of Weber to be season 24's Bachelor, he congratulated the other man but noted that the franchise should be looking beyond just white and Black when it came to their leads and contestants. He pointed out that the choice of lead typically determines the contestants of the season, saying in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that "if Peter likes one thing - not saying what he does like and he doesn't like - but if he likes Caucasian women for example, then there may be a higher percentage of it being a Caucasian bachelorette."
Historically speaking, that's exactly what's been happening. Lindsay spoke to that in her blog post, writing, "Yes, more diverse contestants do appear on the show now, but is the lead truly interested and open to dating outside of their race? It is a naive expectation to believe that leads will authentically start an interracial relationship for the first time on national television."
She added, "The sad reality is that people of color become placeholders as the token person of color to add some flavor to the second half of the season."
Peter Weber with Natasha Parker, who finished season 24 in the top five.
Catherine Giudici, who appeared on the 17th season of The Bachelor and married lead Sean Lowe, echoed those thoughts in a June 7 Instagram post looking back on her time on the show. "When I was originally cast, I was very flattered but somewhat grounded by the fact that I would be one of the faces that represented people of color. I knew that one of the reasons I was probably chosen was because I was Filipino," she shared in the post. "I counted myself out to be his fiancée because of what I assumed Sean liked. I thought I was there just to check a box, but I ended up with so much more."
Giudici goes on to note that when she opened herself to the process, she was able to connect with Lowe and her experience ended up giving her more than she could've ever imagined, including "getting to represent a mixed race community." The pair have since gotten married and are the proud parents of three children.
While it's great that Giudici found her happily ever after, other people can't do the same if they're never allowed to get their foot in the door. This is why Lindsay isn't leaving things to chance - she's provided the franchise with five actionable steps to get them on the right path. "1. Cast leads that are truly interested in dating outside of their race; 2. Stop making excuses for the lack of diversity and take action to rectify the problem; 3. Diversify the producers on the show to make your contestants of color feel more comfortable; and 4. Stop creating problematic story lines [sic] for people of color."
And last but certainly not least, the former bachelorette called for the franchise to "make a statement acknowledging their systemic racism." "The system is not designed for people of color," she added. "This is not a shocking or groundbreaking statement when the creator of the show admitted that my season's lower ratings 'revealed something about our fans' and furthermore concluded that it was 'incredibly disturbing in a Trumpish kind of way.'"
"The system is not designed for people of color."
Lindsay ended her post by saying that only time will tell how production will respond to her comments, but it's obvious that she isn't the only one demanding change. Many fans have been clamoring for the same changes, especially as white contestants continue to get exposed for being racist, bigoted, or problematic in a plethora of other ways. Lee Garrett was exposed for tweeting a string of racist and sexist remarks (during the season with the first Black lead!), Garrett Yrigoyen "liked" social media posts that mocked feminists and transgender people and then went on to be selected by Bachelorette Becca Kufrin as her winner, and Hannah Brown recently faced backlash after singing the N-word while learning a TikTok dance.
It's obvious that the franchise needs to invest in some better background checks and diversify their cast pools enough to counter their dirty past. Hopefully sooner rather than later - because we're getting tired of waiting for them to do better.
A Simple Method For Turning Hot Tea to Iced Tea
While buying bottled ice tea is a viable option, it's more fun and economical to make use of the wide varieties of tea you probably already own like chai, jasmine, darjeeling, and oolong. The flavor options are limitless, and you'll notice that most teas have a slightly more robust flavor when chilled.
To transform your hot tea collection into refreshing iced tea, brew the tea as usual, then chill it in the fridge. For every cup of filtered water, use one teabag (or two teaspoons loose-leaf) of any black, green, white, or herbal tea variety. Remove the teabags after three to five minutes of brewing, and allow the tea to come to room temperature before popping it in the fridge.
For a faster cup of iced tea, make a "condensed" tea by brewing two or three teabags per cup of filtered water. Then pour the hot tea directly over ice. If you don't even want to mess with hot water, there's also a way to cold-brew tea! Once you've made your unsweetened iced tea, it will generally last about three days in the fridge - that is, if you don't drink it before then!
If You're Confused About What Defunding the Police Means, Allow John Oliver to Explain
All over the country, we're seeing signs at protests demanding justice for police brutality and pressure on social media calling to defund the police. And while it might sound like a radical or confusing concept to some, on Sunday's Last Week Tonight segment, John Oliver clearly explained what defunding the police really means and why it is the next step to moving forward.
"It's about moving away from a narrow conception of public safety that relies on policing and punishment, and investing in a community's actual safety."
"Defunding the police absolutely does not mean that we eliminate all cops and just succumb to the Purge," Oliver said. "Instead, it's about moving away from a narrow conception of public safety that relies on policing and punishment, and investing in a community's actual safety. . . like stable housing, mental health services, and community organizations."
Earlier in the segment, Oliver explained that after cutting spending on key services in many communities, the police are the only group of power left to handle almost any issue people have. He referenced the former Dallas police chief, who admitted in a briefing back in 2016 that "we're asking cops to do too much in the country" and "every societal failure [is] put on the cops to solve."
By no longer being reliant on the police for every aspect of public safety, Oliver said the role of police can "significantly shrink," because cops won't have to respond to mental health calls, dealing with young people in schools, or any other situation where force isn't necessary. Moreover, he passionately argues for defunding the police as its structure is intentionally built on systemic racism, and thus needs to be intentionally dismantled and replaced. "For much of US history, law enforcement meant enforcing laws that were explicitly designed to subjugate Black people," he explained.
Oliver also addressed why demanding for police reform won't solve the problem, as incremental reforms like the wider use of body cameras and implicit bias training were clearly not enough to eliminate racially motivated police violence. "I'm not saying that we shouldn't still try them, but in many cases, you are contending with an entrenched police culture resistant to any effort to compel reform," he said. "That is why many are advocating that we rethink police from the ground up."
He concluded the segment emphasizing the need for all of us to fight for change and continue to do so over a long period of time. "Black communities have had to be perpetual activists, while also routinely being disenfranchised, and it is long past time that the rest of us join to make sure our voices are heard and acted upon, 'cause it's going to be far too easy for nothing to meaningfully change here."
While Oliver discussed the concept of defunding the police around the 25-minute mark, the entire segment is worth a watch, as he answered three basic questions to fully understand the reason for this demand: how we got to this point, what the obstacles to reform have been historically, and how we can keep moving forward. Check out the full video above.
LoveShackFancy Makes the Romantic Dresses You'll Want to Wear All Summer Long
Breezy, beautiful summer dresses might be one of our favorite things about the arrival of warmer weather and a new season. They're an outfit in and of themself, and they make getting dressed so easy. Whenever we find ourselves lusting after a pretty, romantic style, there's a good chance it's from LoveShackFancy. These dresses are about as dreamy as they come, and if you feel like treating yourself this season, we'd recommend any one of these 14 picks.
From classic white styles to fun tie-dye and multi-colored florals, these are the dresses that will transport you to another world, even if the only place you're going is to the backyard. Just keep reading to shop our selects.
If You're Confused About What Defunding the Police Means, Allow John Oliver to Explain
All over the country, we're seeing signs at protests demanding justice for police brutality and pressure on social media calling to defund the police. And while it might sound like a radical or confusing concept to some, on Sunday's Last Week Tonight segment, John Oliver clearly explained what defunding the police really means and why it is the next step to moving forward.
"It's about moving away from a narrow conception of public safety that relies on policing and punishment, and investing in a community's actual safety."
"Defunding the police absolutely does not mean that we eliminate all cops and just succumb to the Purge," Oliver said. "Instead, it's about moving away from a narrow conception of public safety that relies on policing and punishment, and investing in a community's actual safety. . . like stable housing, mental health services, and community organizations."
Earlier in the segment, Oliver explained that after cutting spending on key services in many communities, the police are the only group of power left to handle almost any issue people have. He referenced the former Dallas police chief, who admitted in a briefing back in 2016 that "we're asking cops to do too much in the country" and "every societal failure [is] put on the cops to solve."
By no longer being reliant on the police for every aspect of public safety, Oliver said the role of police can "significantly shrink," because cops won't have to respond to mental health calls, arrests of young people in schools, or any other situation where force isn't necessary. Moreover, he passionately argues for defunding the police as its structure is intentionally built on systemic racism, and thus needs to be intentionally dismantled and replaced. "For much of US history, law enforcement meant enforcing laws that were explicitly designed to subjugate Black people," he explained.
Oliver also addressed why demanding for police reform won't solve the problem, as incremental reforms like the wider use of body cameras and implicit bias training were clearly not enough to eliminate racially motivated police violence. "I'm not saying that we shouldn't still try them, but in many cases, you are contending with an entrenched police culture resistant to any effort to compel reform," he said. "That is why many are advocating that we rethink police from the ground up."
He concluded the segment emphasizing the need for all of us to fight for change and continue to do so over a long period of time. "Black communities have had to be perpetual activists, while also routinely being disenfranchised, and it is long past time that the rest of us join to make sure our voices are heard and acted upon, 'cause it's going to be far too easy for nothing to meaningfully change here."
While Oliver discussed the concept of defunding the police around the 25-minute mark, the entire segment is worth a watch, as he answered three basic questions to fully understand the reason for this demand: how we got to this point, what the obstacles to reform have been historically, and how we can keep moving forward. Check out the full video above.
These 14-Year-Old Ballerinas Took a Stand For Black Lives to Spark a "Change of Heart"
Ava Holloway and Kennedy George are 14-year-old ballet dancers at the Central Virginia Dance Academy, and they're using their love for dance to spread a powerful message about the importance of Black lives. Following the announcement on June 4 that the Robert E. Lee statue located in Charlottesville, VA will be removed, Holloway and her fellow dancers took the historic opportunity to pose in front of the now grafitti-covered statue of the Confederate soldier before its official removal. The resulting photos, taken by photographer Marcus Ingram and George's mother Chris, share a powerful message of hope for the future.
"The inspiration was to say goodbye to the past without forgetting it," Holloway told POPSUGAR. "Ballet is one of the hardest types of dance; we are going through a very hard time. I connected a time full of hate with something that gives me so much joy . . . What better way to bring the best out of something by doing what you love?"
"I just hope someone that had a different opinion relates to the picture and has a change of heart."
The long-overdue removal of the Confederate statue comes after an impassioned week of protests across the country in support of the Black community and the eradication of racial injustice. "It's time to acknowledge the reality of institutional racism, even if you can't see it," Northam said in his public address. "Today, Virginia is home to more Confederate commemorations than any other state . . . The statue of Robert E. Lee is the most prominent . . . Yes, that statue has been there for a long time. But it was wrong then, and it is wrong now. So, we're taking it down."
In celebration of the statue coming down, Holloway and her friends hope to remind others of the past and inspire the people of today to be better than their ancestors. From left to right, the above photo features Kennedy George, Sophia Chambliss, Brandee Greene, Shania Gordon, and Ava Holloway. "We are so grateful for everyone that reposted us and didn't think that it would get nearly as much attention as it is receiving!" said Gordon.
As for the message she hopes these photos will send, Holloway said, "I hope people reconsider their thinking . . . I just hope someone that had a different opinion relates to the picture and has a change of heart." See more photos of the group's powerful photo shoot ahead.
Feel Like the Ultimate Athlete in These P.E Nation Leggings
There's something powerful about putting on workout clothes. Whether it's their bright colors or their shiny material, workout clothes that you love can be just the motivation you need to do one more squat jump. I know the strength I feel when I put on my favorite leggings, and if you haven't found your go-to pair yet, may we recommend P.E Nation?
These leggings are sleek and sophisticated, and will make you feel like you can do anything, in the gym and beyond. Whether you're someone who likes a HIIT session or a person who prefers pilates, these six pairs are supportive and comfortable, and come in the coolest designs. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
7 Sweat Shorts For Comfortable Lounging, No Matter How Hot Summer Gets
All those sweatpants you ordered in March got plenty of good use as you worked, worked out, and lounged from home all spring - but summer calls for some cooler substitutes.
Cue the epitome of warm-weather comfort: sweat shorts.
As you move your daily yoga flows to the backyard, increase your walks around the block, or add sun snoozes into your self-care routine, these airy shorts will help you chill out without overheating.
The 29 Best Home Products on Sale This Week - From Sofas to Bedding
As a shopping editor, I spend a lot of time browsing home sites and curating roundups. Almost every time I'm shopping a retailer and peak in its sale section, I can't believe some of the incredible products I find on major discount. Whether you're looking for furniture or useful kitchen finds, there's no doubt snagging it on sale is something you can feel good about. To save you both time and money, I curated a list of the deals of the week.
Ahead, you can shop everything from beautiful bedding to amazing candles and even a pink velvet sofa. They all have one thing in common though: they're bound to sell out. So, whether you're looking to revamp your living room with some new decor or invest in space-saving furniture, I've got you covered. Keep reading to shop them all.
LoveShackFancy Makes the Romantic Dresses You'll Want to Wear All Summer Long
Breezy, beautiful summer dresses might be one of our favorite things about the arrival of warmer weather and a new season. They're an outfit in and of themself, and they make getting dressed so easy. Whenever we find ourselves lusting after a pretty, romantic style, there's a good chance it's from LoveShackFancy. These dresses are about as dreamy as they come, and if you feel like treating yourself this season, we'd recommend any one of these 14 picks.
From classic white styles to fun tie-dye and multi-colored florals, these are the dresses that will transport you to another world, even if the only place you're going is to the backyard. Just keep reading to shop our selects.
Feel Like the Ultimate Athlete in These P.E Nation Leggings
There's something powerful about putting on workout clothes. Whether it's their bright colors or their shiny material, workout clothes that you love can be just the motivation you need to do one more squat jump. I know the strength I feel when I put on my favorite leggings, and if you haven't found your go-to pair yet, may we recommend P.E Nation?
These leggings are sleek and sophisticated, and will make you feel like you can do anything, in the gym and beyond. Whether you're someone who likes a HIIT session or a person who prefers pilates, these six pairs are supportive and comfortable, and come in the coolest designs. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
7 Sweat Shorts For Comfortable Lounging, No Matter How Hot Summer Gets
All those sweatpants you ordered in March got plenty of good use as you worked, worked out, and lounged from home all spring - but summer calls for some cooler substitutes.
Cue the epitome of warm-weather comfort: sweat shorts.
As you move your daily yoga flows to the backyard, increase your walks around the block, or add sun snoozes into your self-care routine, these airy shorts will help you chill out without overheating.
The 29 Best Home Products on Sale This Week - From Sofas to Bedding
As a shopping editor, I spend a lot of time browsing home sites and curating roundups. Almost every time I'm shopping a retailer and peak in its sale section, I can't believe some of the incredible products I find on major discount. Whether you're looking for furniture or useful kitchen finds, there's no doubt snagging it on sale is something you can feel good about. To save you both time and money, I curated a list of the deals of the week.
Ahead, you can shop everything from beautiful bedding to amazing candles and even a pink velvet sofa. They all have one thing in common though: they're bound to sell out. So, whether you're looking to revamp your living room with some new decor or invest in space-saving furniture, I've got you covered. Keep reading to shop them all.
The 29 Best Home Products on Sale This Week - From Sofas to Bedding
As a shopping editor, I spend a lot of time browsing home sites and curating roundups. Almost every time I'm shopping a retailer and peak in its sale section, I can't believe some of the incredible products I find on major discount. Whether you're looking for furniture or useful kitchen finds, there's no doubt snagging it on sale is something you can feel good about. To save you both time and money, I curated a list of the deals of the week.
Ahead, you can shop everything from beautiful bedding to amazing candles and even a pink velvet sofa. They all have one thing in common though: they're bound to sell out. So, whether you're looking to revamp your living room with some new decor or invest in space-saving furniture, I've got you covered. Keep reading to shop them all.
lundi 8 juin 2020
Nina Westbrook Is Urging Black Women to Put Their Mental Health First
"The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman," Malcolm X proclaimed in 1962. It's been 58 years since he gave this powerful speech, and his words still ring true.
Due to racial bias in the healthcare system, Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the workplace, Black women don't fare much better, earning $0.61 cents for every dollar a non-Hispanic, white man makes, according to the National Women's Law Center. These are just a few of the racial injustices Black women are subjected to on a daily basis. And as taxing as daily encounters with race and gender discrimination can be to one's mental and physical health, Black women continue to fight for the respect, representation, recognition, and equality our white counterparts are granted due to bias and privilege.
"I think that Black women and women of color are some of the most undervalued groups of people in the US," Nina Westbrook, MA, LMFT, told POPSUGAR. "We want to present ourselves as strong women. We want to be there for our families. We want to wear all the hats. We want to be successful. We want to put on a brave face," she said. But the Strong Black Woman archetype we're all too familiar with is detrimental to our well-being.
"I think that Black women and women of color are some of the most undervalued groups of people in the US."
Black women have been conditioned to be everything to everyone, prioritizing and catering to the needs of others while neglecting our own. "What comes along with that is all the suffering in silence that happens because we want to be strong and we don't want to be vulnerable. We want to show that we can do it. We can do all of these things, and we are valuable, and we are deserving," Westbrook said.
Research has found that racism can affect one's mental health and is positively associated with depression, anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress, which is why it's imperative Black women (and all Black and brown people) have access to resources to take care of our mental health. Existing in a society that constantly scrutinizes Black women, we've adopted coping strategies for our survival like building up walls and compartmentalization. But Westbrook cautions against operating on an "extremely high level at all times" because eventually, you'll reach a breaking point. "It's OK to struggle. It's OK to have emotions, it's OK to have breakdowns and cry," she said reassuringly.
The racial disparities in mental health care coupled with the stigma surrounding mental health persist, but Westbrook believes that Black people should prioritize their emotional well-being to have control over our emotions, to better navigate our daily experiences, and to improve the overall quality of our lives. "There are so many different ways that we can all tend to our mental health whether it be individually, whether it be through meditation, whether it's through traditional therapy, or eat therapy - there are so many different ways that we can maintain, and work on, and cultivate our mental well-being," she explained.
"As a Black woman myself, I have had to learn that I don't need anybody else to place any value on me or tell me that I'm important."
She also recommends exploring mindfulness, journaling, exercising, and speaking with someone you trust to release built-up tension, built-up energy - anything that's weighing you down. "It's just a matter of finding out what that thing is for you that helps to fulfill you," she said.
Additionally, Westbrook said to be selective about the tasks you're taking on, ensuring that they best suit you and won't force you to overextend yourself. "I think that as a Black woman myself, I have had to learn that I don't need anybody else to place any value on me or tell me that I'm important. That has to come from within," she said. Over time, she's learned that she is deserving of breaks, attention, and being prioritized, and she feels empowered saying so. "I think that we just have to give ourselves the grace and allow ourselves to prioritize our feelings and our emotions and the things that we go through and take care of ourselves so we can be these strong, amazing women that we are set out to be."
I Finally Care More About Being Strong Than Skinny, and It's Because I'm Working Out at Home
The first time I was congratulated for losing weight, I had just gotten my wisdom teeth out. For the past week, the only thing I had been able to stomach was chocolate pudding, plain yogurt, and lukewarm soup, but my doctor didn't know that. All she saw were the numbers on the scale ticking downward - a cause for celebration, not concern.
I liked what my doctor was saying. For once, I felt like I had done something important - like I might actually have a shot at looking like the models I loved to compare myself to. I felt powerful, in control, and enjoyed being praised for what could only be my newfound commitment to health and fitness. In the moment, I didn't feel like acknowledging that my weight loss was by no means the result of a healthy lifestyle.
I had always been a healthy weight, but was never traditionally thin, so this kind of admiration was new to me. In years past, I would try to suck in my gut during dance class, shrinking my profile in the mirror as much as I could, and becoming frustrated when I couldn't make my backside look completely flat like the other girls. I became obsessed with my size and thought that if I could just lose a few more pounds, I would look the way I was "supposed to." I didn't know how, but I knew that getting thinner was my ultimate goal.
As I went through high school, I placed more and more value on superficial measures of skinniness that (spoiler alert) I was never able to fully achieve. Thigh gaps, flat stomachs, and, most importantly, the numbers on the scale, were the determining factors of how I felt about myself. What I heard that day in the doctor's office only confirmed my own toxic ideas about weight loss: skinniness meant health, and fitness wasn't anything without it.
A few years later I was off to college, and most of the exercise I attempted there continued to center around weight loss. I'd have a great workout and still find myself discouraged if I felt like I was gaining weight. Likewise, I'd pick up terrible eating habits and become delighted once I found that they were helping me become closer to a skinnier ideal.
When social distancing became the new normal, however, my goals were temporarily derailed. I was home, hungry, and didn't have anyone around me to impress - not even my doctor. Without a gym or any motivation to do anything other than skim through social media and watch Tiger King, I turned to home workouts. Not as a means to lose weight, but as a way to pass the time and keep myself moving during a long period of isolation.
I started off halfheartedly with a few videos that promised to target my abs and arms, and they delivered. The next morning my muscles were sore in a new way - a good way - and although I didn't initially believe that the various sets of crunches and planks would ever become easier, I was interested in the idea that a workout could mean more than just a smaller dress size.
I was finally working out because I wanted to feel like my best self no matter what my body looked like externally.
For the next month, I worked my way through different home workouts, even attempting intense HIIT exercises I used to avoid at all costs. In those four weeks, I grew stronger than I ever had when all I cared about was losing weight. My body was changing in a way I liked, but I was more excited about my ability to fly through the workouts I had initially struggled with, challenging myself in new ways and genuinely enjoying myself in the process. Workouts were now something I looked forward to instead of something I dreaded, and I noticed real progress that had nothing to do with my weight.
It took a few weeks of social distancing and some chaotic circumstances, but I was finally working out because I wanted to feel like my best self no matter what my body looked like externally. Going into my second month of home workouts, I'm continuing to view my health in terms of strength and nutrition, not weight loss and quick diets. Now when I approach my fitness, I remember to be mindful about what it is I actually want to achieve and whether or not I'm being honest with myself about my goals. Home workouts were my unexpected saving grace, but even when the gyms open back up and social gatherings resume, these are habits I'll want to keep forever.
If You're a Runner, It's Time to Listen to These Podcasts About Race in the Running Community
Running is a sport that's accessible and open to people of different physical abilities, races, genders, sexual orientations, and body types - anyone (yes, anyone) can run. But that doesn't mean the running community has always been as inclusive as it can and should be, a shortcoming that all runners need to reconcile with and actively work to change. For many, the first step is educating yourself and learning to listen.
The work is ongoing when it comes to race in the running community, but it's being done every day by Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who run, coach, lead, and speak out to create change. Below, you'll find a small sampling of podcasts addressing the issues around race in the running and outdoor communities, and featuring women runners of color who are leading the way to inclusivity. Play one on your next run, listen up, and get informed. When you're done, here are more ways you can support racial justice from home.
Insecure Is Back With Another Collection of Bangers and Slow Jams For Season 4
You can always count on a season of Insecure to bring three things: messiness, eye candy, and a mean soundtrack. Season four of the HBO comedy premiered on April 12, and viewers can already spot where the cracks will grow throughout the rest of the season. (Did anyone else catch that opener with Issa saying she doesn't f*ck with Molly anymore? Yikes.) Luckily for us, the drama comes with a side of bangers and slow jams that we'll have in our heads for days, so it's a win-win!
Once again, Issa Rae and Insecure's music supervisor, Kier Lehman, strike the perfect blend of well-known hits and undiscovered tracks for a flawless soundtrack. Check out the artists and songs featured on the show ahead, and keep an eye out as we update with every episode!
Squirrel or Sqwhirl? Tan France Reveals the Real Differences Between Brits and Americans
In times of crisis, we all need to take a moment and indulge in a good, hearty laugh. Queer Eye's fab five delivered some much needed LOLs over the weekend, as our favorite, heartwarming divas shared the real differences between Brits and Americans in a hilarious video clip.
Although the Americans (Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and Bobby Berk) have an unfair advantage against the only Brit (Tan France), it's needless to say that while Americans have "spirit," Brits have "fabulosity." Ahead, see seven very important differences between Brits and Americans, from pronunciations to celebrations:
Tomato or Tomahto?
Antoni and Tan jokingly duelled it out as to which pronunciation of "tomato" reigns supreme and if the beloved summer fruit is indeed a vegetable. "Too long tomahtoes have been misunderstood," Antoni jokes, where Tan chimes in "It's tomato!"
Baby Showers
Americans certainly know how to party - because baby showers, bridal parties, and even engagement rings are always bigger in the US of A. "This is a much fancier baby shower than I've ever seen before," Tan comments. "American. Am I right?" Antoni says.
Squirrel or Sqwhirl
The guys absolutely roasted Tan for how Brits pronounce "squirrel," but Tan definitely defended himself by clarifying that "sqwhirl is a noise, squirrel is a word!"
Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship
Jonathan challenged Tan to a "men's rhythmic gymnastics championship," otherwise known as a "hula hoop" face-off. Tan won, of course, effortlessly swirling two hula hoops around his snatched waist, while JVN could barely keep one hoop above the hips. Nice try, but +1 for the Brits.
Love of Carbs
In the US, there is a fitness narrative that "carbs are bad," but in the UK, they are a sacred part of a balanced and moreish diet - particularly potatoes. "I love a carb," Tan says. "America, embrace the carbs!"
Band Camp
A very foreign idea to Brits, Tan asked the team to clarify Americans' love for "band camp." "Isn't drill team the same as band camp?" Tan asks. "No," Bobby replies, "It's kinda of like a dance team."
American Schools vs. English Schools
Tan was amazed at the large student enrollment at American schools. "American schools don't look like English schools," Tan learns. "This school has 2000 students, my school had 200 students. It's full on high school musical!"
Want more of a laugh? Watch the full video above.
12 Beautiful Engagement Ring Stories From LGBTQ+ Couples
All LBGTQ+ couples are different, so when it comes to engagement rings and exchanging vows, there are no set rules about the bling that comes with the declaration of love. Some couples gift each other rings upon proposal, while others hand-pick their stones and bands together, ordering them from the same company or boutique so there's less of a surprise, but lots of room for personalization. A lot of people have partners that don't like to wear jewelry at all, and that's cool, too. Just like with all of the other little bridal details, the options are endless.
I'll never forget when my sister sent me a text message: "How can I figure out Megan's ring size?" she asked me, after having already ordered her girlfriend a promise ring that ended up barely even fitting over the knuckle of her pinky. At least it wasn't a diamond! Luckily, they have time to practice and dream up some options, since they both want to wear engagement rings down the road but prefer very different styles. They may even learn a thing or two from some of the couples I talked to here - lifestyle blogger Allie sneakily hacked onto her wife's Etsy account to find out what designs she had been saving, while Bobby, senior market editor at Who What Wear, and his partner, Robbie, knew from the start they wanted something classic and timeless, thereby vowing to go on all future ring hunts together. The details are important, after all.
Scroll through to find a roundup of beautiful engagement rings from LGBTQ+ couples, and shoot me a note if you'd love to share your own original story to be included here, too.
11 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help Prevent Ocean Pollution
Trips to the beach and swimming in the ocean with friends are two of life's best and simplest pleasures. But a hard reality that's difficult to wrestle with is that our oceans are in serious danger. Between plastic pollution, harmful man-made chemicals (think fertilizers and pesticides), and sunscreen that suffocates coral reefs, there are serious changes that need to be made (and fast) to help prevent any more damage. And it all starts with us.
Ahead, we share 11 ways you can help fight ocean pollution right now, whether it's learning little habits you can adopt in your daily life or making tweaks to your shopping routine. Together, we can do better!
Get Ahead of Running-Induced Ankle Pain With These Strengthening Exercises
If your regular method of exercise is a long-distance run, paying attention to the strength of your ankles (and their overall health) may be in your best interest as an athlete.
Ankle-strengthening exercises aren't given as much attention at the gym as quad workouts, but as Steve Stonehouse - NASM CPT, USATF-certified run coach, and director of education for STRIDE - explains, weak ankles could negatively impact the "human movement system" - and therefore lead to injuries.
"The kinetic chain concept specifies that every part of your body works together and nothing works in isolation," Stonehouse said. "If your feet and ankles aren't strong enough, it will surely lead to impairments in that human movement system - either at the foot and ankle complex or somewhere up 'the chain.'"
Stonehouse said this could result in many different injuries - some examples include achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee issues, and hip and low-back issues. "Again, your body will do its best to compensate for weakness in certain areas, but that compensation comes at a price," Stonehouse said.
Acknowledging the impact that running puts on the body will also help put the importance of ankle strength and the kinetic chain into perspective. "While you're running, you spend 99 percent of your time on one foot," Stonehouse explained. "That's important because we all know running creates a lot of impact on your body, but especially since one leg or foot is absorbing all that impact."
To help prevent injuries, Stonehouse said you can work ankle-strengthening exercises into your routine around three or four times a week. If you're already dealing with pain in your ankles during or after runs, check in with a medical professional or a certified personal trainer before beginning any program to address the root cause and prevent worsening any injuries.
Ankle Circles
- Perform 10 circles clockwise and 10 circles counterclockwise - both feet.
Calf Raises
- Standing on a step on one leg, push up onto your toes, then lower down until your heel is slightly below the step.
- Keep the movement as smooth and controlled as possible.
- Perform three sets of 10 reps.
Walking on Your Toes
- Take 20 steps - 10 each foot.
- Repeat for three sets.
Walking on Your Heels
- Take 20 steps - 10 each foot.
- Repeat for three sets.
Jump Rope
- Start with jumping rope for 60 seconds, then rest.
- Work up to three sets of 60 seconds.
Jumping Jacks
- Perform three sets of 25 reps.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
5 Kickboxing YouTube Workouts That'll Have You Sweating in 15 Minutes
When I feel bored in my fitness routine, I break up my tedious running and strength-training schedule by sprinkling in some 15-minute kickboxing YouTube videos.
The change in pace helps prevent burnout, plateauing, and overuse injuries from doing the same workout every day - plus, it's a very effective sweat, too. Since kickboxing is all about high-energy kicks, jabs, squats, and shuffles, I feel the cardio and toning effects in minutes.
With that said, you'll want to keep a water bottle and towel close as you explore the following workouts - especially if you plan on challenging yourself by adding in free weights.
Get Ahead of Running-Induced Ankle Pain With These Strengthening Exercises
If your regular method of exercise is a long-distance run, paying attention to the strength of your ankles (and their overall health) may be in your best interest as an athlete.
Ankle-strengthening exercises aren't given as much attention at the gym as quad workouts, but as Steve Stonehouse - NASM CPT, USATF-certified run coach, and director of education for STRIDE - explains, weak ankles could negatively impact the "human movement system" - and therefore lead to injuries.
"The kinetic chain concept specifies that every part of your body works together and nothing works in isolation," Stonehouse said. "If your feet and ankles aren't strong enough, it will surely lead to impairments in that human movement system - either at the foot and ankle complex or somewhere up 'the chain.'"
Stonehouse said this could result in many different injuries - some examples include achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee issues, and hip and low-back issues. "Again, your body will do its best to compensate for weakness in certain areas, but that compensation comes at a price," Stonehouse said.
Acknowledging the impact that running puts on the body will also help put the importance of ankle strength and the kinetic chain into perspective. "While you're running, you spend 99 percent of your time on one foot," Stonehouse explained. "That's important because we all know running creates a lot of impact on your body, but especially since one leg or foot is absorbing all that impact."
To help prevent injuries, Stonehouse said you can work ankle-strengthening exercises into your routine around three or four times a week. If you're already dealing with pain in your ankles during or after runs, check in with a medical professional or a certified personal trainer before beginning any program to address the root cause and prevent worsening any injuries.
Ankle Circles
- Perform 10 circles clockwise and 10 circles counterclockwise - both feet.
Calf Raises
- Standing on a step on one leg, push up onto your toes, then lower down until your heel is slightly below the step.
- Keep the movement as smooth and controlled as possible.
- Perform three sets of 10 reps.
Walking on Your Toes
- Take 20 steps - 10 each foot.
- Repeat for three sets.
Walking on Your Heels
- Take 20 steps - 10 each foot.
- Repeat for three sets.
Jump Rope
- Start with jumping rope for 60 seconds, then rest.
- Work up to three sets of 60 seconds.
Jumping Jacks
- Perform three sets of 25 reps.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
Yes, a Major Character Dies in 13 Reasons Why's Traumatic Series Finale
We've had to say goodbye to a handful of characters throughout 13 Reasons Why's four seasons. Some hit Liberty High harder than others, and some truths behind the deaths will never be shared. The show's fourth and final season on Netflix wraps up with yet another death of a Liberty High School student that leaves a mark on everyone.
The show has changed a lot since the first season, after Netflix deviated from Jay Asher's novel the show is based on. When Hannah Baker gives her 13 reasons for killing herself, it includes various people in her life who have affected her. Two of her 13 reasons are Justin Foley. He was the first person she connected with when she came to town, but after he snapped a photo up her skirt while they were hanging out and shared it with his obnoxious friends, Hannah was quickly labeled a slut. Her second Justin-related reason was that he didn't do enough to stop Bryce from raping Jessica at a party because he wasn't strong enough to stand up to Bryce.
Justin, who had a tough upbringing and was already a troubled teen, spirals quite quickly from the first season on. He gets into heavy intravenous drugs, spends time homeless, disappears for a bit, and even gets into sex work to get by. But partway through the third season, when he is well and truly a mess, he decides to turn things around. He's trying to make things work with Jessica, and the Jensens take him in and make him a part of the family. He also claims he wants to get clean.
That's where his story picks up in season four. He continues his redemption arc and makes it through rehab. He does better in school, seems to have a bit more of a positive attitude, and is still in love with Jessica. He and Clay have also become very close after living together and experiencing so much trauma together, so when Clay starts struggling with his own mental health, Justin is quick to do whatever he can to not derail him. That includes not sharing with him that his drug-addicted mom was found dead.
But after the death of his mom and the constant need to keep secrets about Bryce's death, everything is too much for Justin to handle, and he starts using drugs again. He pushes Jessica away, steals from the Jensens, and falls back into his old ways. But in a burst of hope, he confesses to the Jensens, and they tell him once again that they're there for him. Justin makes a last-minute decision to go to prom and tell Jessica he loves her, actually confessing that he loves her more than life, to which she replies that he shouldn't love anything more than life. The two start dancing, but then Justin passes out.
He's taken to the hospital, where the doctor tells the Jensens that after years of using IV drugs and getting into sex work, he's contracted HIV-1 that's become AIDS. There's nothing they can do except make him comfortable for his last few days.
As he lies dying, he has an emotional heart-to-heart with Jessica about how much they love each other, and a huge group of his friends from school come to sit in the ICU waiting room for support. In Clay's last conversation with Justin, he tells him he saved his life so many times and he loves him. Clay holds his hand as he dies from AIDS-related complications, making his the final death in this emotionally heart-wrenching show.
22 LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Are Speaking Out and Leading the Way - in Sports and Beyond
There is so much potential for sports to unite us - you can see it after a home run drops over the fence, or a last-minute goal hits the back of the net, or a marathon finish line is crossed - but the truth is that athletic institutions and communities have long fallen short when it comes to inclusion. That goes for LGBTQ+ athletes, many of whom have found themselves silenced or forced to hide their identities in an environment that has often felt closed-off and discriminatory.
We have a long way to go, but despite everything, progress is being made. And it's pretty clear who we have to thank for it: athletes who identify as LGBTQ+ and are using their platforms to amplify the voices of their community. Of course, no one - and that includes athletes, celebrities, and other public figures - is ever obligated to come out, especially when doing so could threaten their physical or financial well-being. But for every LGBTQ+ athlete who does choose to share their sexuality, the sports world becomes that much more open and inclusive for those who follow. These 22 LGBTQ+ athletes are actively breaking down boundaries and leading by example, and we're proud to look up to them during Pride Month and all year round.
Yes, a Major Character Dies in 13 Reasons Why's Traumatic Series Finale
We've had to say goodbye to a handful of characters throughout 13 Reasons Why's four seasons. Some hit Liberty High harder than others, and some truths behind the deaths will never be shared. The show's fourth and final season on Netflix wraps up with yet another death of a Liberty High School student that leaves a mark on everyone.
The show has changed a lot since the first season, after Netflix deviated from Jay Asher's novel the show is based on. When Hannah Baker gives her 13 reasons for killing herself, it includes various people in her life who have affected her. Two of her 13 reasons are Justin Foley. He was the first person she connected with when she came to town, but after he snapped a photo up her skirt while they were hanging out and shared it with his obnoxious friends, Hannah was quickly labeled a slut. Her second Justin-related reason was that he didn't do enough to stop Bryce from raping Jessica at a party because he wasn't strong enough to stand up to Bryce.
Justin, who had a tough upbringing and was already a troubled teen, spirals quite quickly from the first season on. He gets into heavy intravenous drugs, spends time homeless, disappears for a bit, and even gets into sex work to get by. But partway through the third season, when he is well and truly a mess, he decides to turn things around. He's trying to make things work with Jessica, and the Jensens take him in and make him a part of the family. He also claims he wants to get clean.
That's where his story picks up in season four. He continues his redemption arc and makes it through rehab. He does better in school, seems to have a bit more of a positive attitude, and is still in love with Jessica. He and Clay have also become very close after living together and experiencing so much trauma together, so when Clay starts struggling with his own mental health, Justin is quick to do whatever he can to not derail him. That includes not sharing with him that his drug-addicted mom was found dead.
But after the death of his mom and the constant need to keep secrets about Bryce's death, everything is too much for Justin to handle, and he starts using drugs again. He pushes Jessica away, steals from the Jensens, and falls back into his old ways. But in a burst of hope, he confesses to the Jensens, and they tell him once again that they're there for him. Justin makes a last-minute decision to go to prom and tell Jessica he loves her, actually confessing that he loves her more than life, to which she replies that he shouldn't love anything more than life. The two start dancing, but then Justin passes out.
He's taken to the hospital, where the doctor tells the Jensens that after years of using IV drugs and getting into sex work, he's contracted HIV-1 that's become AIDS. There's nothing they can do except make him comfortable for his last few days.
As he lies dying, he has an emotional heart-to-heart with Jessica about how much they love each other, and a huge group of his friends from school come to sit in the ICU waiting room for support. In Clay's last conversation with Justin, he tells him he saved his life so many times and he loves him. Clay holds his hand as he dies from AIDS-related complications, making his the final death in this emotionally heart-wrenching show.
A Small Step: 47 Toys to Diversify Your Child's Toy Bin
In addition to educating your children about race, diversifying your kids' bookshelves and toy bins is part of doing the work to ensure you're raising a child who is antiracist, now and always. Babies begin to learn about race from 3 months old, so fostering meaningful conversations and teaching the concepts of inclusivity and representation can't come early enough.
Keep scrolling to see some of the best diverse toys - dolls, games, puzzles, coloring supplies, and more - that represent a wide variety of races, cultures, and abilities. Diversifying your child's playroom is just one small step, but it's a start.
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