Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 10 juillet 2020
Fresh Express Recalls More Salad Products in Over 30 States as Cyclospora Outbreak Grows
Fresh Express has issued a precautionary recall of products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots that may be linked to a Cyclospora outbreak in the Midwest, the Food and Drug Administration announced. As of July 9, 509 people have gotten Cyclospora infections after consuming bagged salad mixes, which were first recalled on June 23; the recall has since expanded to include other Fresh Express salad products.
Cyclospora, a parasite that affects the intestinal tract, can cause diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and loss of appetite in infected people, and it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to begin; here's the CDC's full list of Cyclospora symptoms. Infections linked to the salad products have only been reported in the Midwest so far, but the recall affects over 30 states where potentially-contaminated products may have been distributed. Recalled brands include:
- Fresh Express
- ALDI Little Salad Bar
- Giant Eagle
- Hy-Vee
- Jewel-Osco Signature Farms
- ShopRite Wholesome Pantry
- Walmart Marketside
You can identify recalled products via the product code in the upper-right hand corner of the package. "The recall includes products marked with the letter 'Z' at the beginning of the Product Code, followed by the number '178' or lower," the CDC said. The recalled products were all produced a Fresh Express facility in Streamwood, IL. See the FDA's full recalled product details by state and salad brand for more information.
Since May 11, 509 people with Cyclospora infections have reported eating bagged salad mixes before getting sick, all from Midwestern states. The CDC, the FDA, and state health officials are continuing to investigate the origin of the outbreak, but have cited "bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express" as a "likely source." The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating a Cyclospora outbreak in three provinces that's believed to come from Fresh Express salad products. Note that while bagged salad mixes appear to be the source of the outbreak, Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling other salad products from the same facility as a precautionary measure.
If you have one of the recalled products, the CDC recommends throwing it away immediately. If you don't know whether your product has been recalled, and it is a Fresh Express brand with iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and/or carrots, the CDC recommends throw it away without eating.
If you have symptoms of a Cyclospora infection, talk to your doctor and writing down what you ate two weeks before you started feeling sick, the CDC says. You should also tell your local health department about your illness to help track the outbreak.
This post was originally published on June 23 and has since been updated with the most recent information.
Yes, Your Pilates Workout Can Counts as Cardio - Here’s How
Pilates isn't all about toning. If you're doing Pilates moves at a "cardio pace" (think running, biking, jumping rope), you're getting a high-intensity, low-impact cardio workout, too - just ask ACE-certified group fitness trainer and certified Pilates instructor Amy Jordan.
Resistance-training exercises, like Pilates, increases your body's muscle tissue and permanently cranks up your calorie burn, Jordan says. When you complete Pilates moves at a cardio pace, you're furthering the benefits of your workout because your body can burn calories during the session and even after you finish.
Because Pilates is a weight-bearing and resistance-training activity, Jordan says it's beneficial for conditioning the heart and lungs and weight loss, too.
While Jordan suggests practicing Pilates 3-4 times a week to gain the long-term cardio benefits, she also says it's really all about keeping attainable goals. "Sustainability is key - if you do more than you were doing before, that's a win."
Here's a five-move Pilates plan she's created to help you get started - remember to keep at a comfortable cardio pace in order to advance the benefits of each move.
Plank
- Begin in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor and your feet parallel to each other - about four inches apart.
- Draw your navel up and in.
- Broaden your collarbones on every inhale to take pressure off your wrists (or your elbows if you're modifying the move).
- Narrow your outer hip bones without tightening your booty. This activates your low belly for healthy conditioning and flat abs.
- If this is the first time you're trying a plank, start in 10-second intervals, aiming to hold it longer every time you try, eventually reaching 1-2 minutes of a hold.
Lunge and Arms Raises
- Start standing with your feet parallel and about 4-6 inches apart.
- Inhale and step your left foot forward while shifting your weight into all four corners of your left foot and raising your right heel.
- Exhale and bend both knees as your torso lowers straight down. Allow your left knee to glide just in front of your ankle.
- Inhale and think about the torso lifting up and off the hips to return you to a standing position.
- Add small dumbbells (or soup cans!) in each hand and lift out to the sides in a wide T as you lower down to pump up your cardio and weight loss effort.
- Complete 12 reps per side.
Downhill Ski
- Start in a plank position and place your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor with your feet parallel about four inches apart.
- Exhale and shift your torso back behind your arms as your knees bend to the left.
- Inhale and shift back into your starting plank position.
- Exhale and shift your torso back behind your arms as your knees bend to the right.
- Place a five-inch playground ball between your legs a few inches above your knees with your feet still four inches apart to help tone your inner thighs.
- Complete 12 reps per side.
Criss-Cross
- Lay on your back with your legs in a table-top position. Your hands should be interlaced below the base of your skull.
- Slowly lift your head, neck, and shoulders into a shallow curl while keeping lots of length on all sides of your spine.
- Inhale as your right shoulder blade peels off of the floor and ribs rotate to the left. As you rotate, your right leg should extend at a diagonal.
- Exhale and return your ribs to the center while keeping your head and shoulders raised.
- Inhale as your left shoulder blade peels off of the floor and your ribs rotate toward the right. As you rotate, your left leg should extend at a diagonal.
- Don't touch your elbow to your knee - keep the front of your body long.
- Complete 12 reps per side.
Single-Leg Bridges
- Lay on your back with your knees bent, both feet flat on the floor, and your outer thighs magnetized to keep your legs closed. Hold three-pound dumbbells in each hand with your arms reaching straight to the sky.
- Exhale and roll the pelvis slowly towards your navel to peel your hips off the floor and follow with the rest of the spine. Lift with length until you are in a bridge with no creases on the front of your hips and lengthen through your low back.
- Inhale while keeping the knees glued together, extend the right leg at a 45-degree angle.
- Hold this single-leg bridge; exhale as both arms open to the sides with a soft bend at the elbows until your hands hover over the floor.
- Inhale while your arms bend to a 90-degree angle with your elbows hovering over the floor. Sweep your arms back to your starting position straight to the sky.
- Exhale and slowly lower down starting from your upper back to your pelvis while keeping your back long and your leg extended.
- Complete four reps per side.
- For an added challenge, do six reps each side, but for the last two reps, hover the standing heel one inch off the floor throughout the entire range of motion.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
This Dentist's Face Mask Hack Is a Must For Anyone Who Can't Get a Tight Fit
@oliviacuidmd Highly requested 60s version of my viral mask hack #fyp #doctorsoftiktok #masktutorial #covid19 #viral #maskhack #learnontiktok
♬ original sound - oliviacuidmd
Face masks are the most effective when they're nice and snug against your face. It makes sense: if yours is loose, with big gaps on the sides and top, it's easier for respiratory droplets (which can carry coronavirus particles) to slip out and potentially infect others, which is exactly what the mask is supposed to prevent.
If face mask fitting is a challenge for you, dentist Olivia Cui, DMD, shared this genius hack on TikTok last month to help you out. In the video, Dr. Cui shows how simply folding your mask in half, knotting the ear loops, and tucking in the edges can result in a snugger, more protective fit. The entire process takes just 60 seconds, and the video has already been viewed over three million times and was shared by both Kristen Bell and Katie Couric on Instagram. Dr. Cui demonstrates on a surgical mask, but you can make it work on a cloth face mask as well. It's definitely worth a try if your mask feels loose - it'll be more protective and more comfortable, too.
If Your Gym Is Reopening, Is It Safe to Go? Here's What Doctors Say
Update, July 9: Gyms and fitness studios remain closed in many areas due to the coronavirus pandemic, though they've reopened in some parts of the country. Depending on your area and level of vulnerability, many doctors still recommend working out alone or only with people in your home. This post has been updated to reflect the CDC's latest recommendations.
Updated post: Right now, the open-or-closed status of nonessential businesses depends on your zip code. In some areas, businesses like restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and gyms are still closed; in others, they're reopening; and in yet other cities and states, they're closing again after a second outbreak. With the gym especially, there are even more factors to consider; due to the nature of gyms and exercise itself, you may be at a higher risk of catching the coronavirus at a fitness facility. With that in mind, experts are now encouraging people to follow local guidelines and stay at home as much as possible, including for workouts.
POPSUGAR spoke to three doctors about staying safe while exercising and whether a trip to the gym is worth it, even if your local facility is open.
Is It Safe to Go to the Gym During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
"Right now, it's probably best not to go to the gym," said John Whyte, MD, MPH, the chief medical officer at WebMD. Many communities are experiencing high rates of infection and asymptomatic spread, meaning that people who have COVID-19 without any symptoms may be unknowingly infecting others in public places, including fitness studios.
As doctors learn more about the disease, emerging research shows that gyms may be more dangerous than other public facilities. "Consider that gyms are usually closed spaces where air conditioning is used," said Anne Liu, MD, an immunologist and infectious disease doctor with Stanford Health Care. Many experts agree that being indoors with little ventilation and constant air recirculation (from air conditioning, for example) can facilitate the spread of coronavirus.
There's also the fact that when you work out, you start breathing harder, Dr. Liu said. Respiratory droplets - the major mechanism for coronavirus transmission - "fly a lot further than they would if you're just breathing normally," she said. And some people find it difficult or uncomfortable to exercise with a mask on, so they're more likely to wear it incorrectly or skip it altogether, allowing for more spread.
If you have a chronic medical condition that puts you at high risk of infection, or if you're the primary caregiver for someone at high risk, working out at home is better, said Aruna Subramanian, MD, an infectious disease doctor and clinical medical professor at Stanford University. If you personally are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, tiredness, and dry cough, "You need to seek medical care and be tested," Dr. Whyte said. The situation may call for you to self-isolate and avoid coming into contact with other people. "Do not go to the gym or anywhere else if you have symptoms," Dr. Whyte advised. If you've come into contact with someone who's tested positive or is showing symptoms, you should quarantine as well. (Here's more on how to differentiate between COVID-19, the flu, and a common cold, as well as the currently approved ways to treat it.)
My Gym Is Still Open - Should I Go?
If your local government recommends staying at home, you should do so. If you aren't under a stay-at-home order and gyms are re-opening, "Weigh the risk of going to the gym, particularly when you can exercise at home," Dr. Whyte said. "If you do go, be sure to go when it is not crowded. Ask about their cleaning process, which should be at least a couple of times an hour. Don't linger, don't socialize. Get in and get out." Here are more safety factors to consider, including your gym's screening process and capacity limitation.
Dr. Liu added that you should wear a face mask as much as possible if you go to the gym. (Here are some breathable, workout-friendly options.) Stay away from others at a distance of at least six feet, wipe down surfaces before and after you use them, and use hand sanitizer "generously," she continued. It's also a good idea to shower right when you get home.
If your gym is open, it's going to be up to you to make the call. "If you have to do all of that, is it still worth it?" Dr. Liu said.
Can You Transmit Coronavirus Through Sweat?
According to Dr. Whyte, there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through sweat. "It is a respiratory virus, so the lung is where the virus attacks," he explained. "Sweat doesn't contain respiratory droplets, so there's no current beliefs that sweat is a source of the virus." That said, a sweaty surface could still be contaminated if it's been touched by an infected individual; there's simply no evidence as of yet that the sweat itself transmits the disease.
Should I Still Exercise During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
"One of the ways to effectively fight the virus to be healthy," Dr. Whyte said. "Being active is one way to do that, along with healthy eating." In fact, exercise may actually boost your immune system. With many gyms closed, at-home workouts are likely your best choice to keep your health up in this way. You can pull up a bodyweight routine or workout video to exercise right in your living room or garage. The workout may even boost your mood and relieve some of your anxiety.
Depending on where you live, it may also be safe to walk or run outdoors on your own, Dr. Subramanian told POPSUGAR. "It's a good idea to stay healthy and to exercise as much as possible, and being outdoors and getting fresh air is definitely recommended," she said. This is because you're not in a closed environment where recirculating air could continuously distribute the virus. Make sure to stay six feet away from others and check your local guidelines to see if outdoor walks or runs are safe in your area. If you know you won't be able to social distance, bring a mask along as well. Here are more tips on running outside safely during the outbreak.
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.
Fresh Express Recalls More Salad Products in Over 30 States as Cyclospora Outbreak Grows
Fresh Express has issued a precautionary recall of products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots that may be linked to a Cyclospora outbreak in the Midwest, the Food and Drug Administration announced. As of July 9, 509 people have gotten Cyclospora infections after consuming bagged salad mixes, which were first recalled on June 23; the recall has since expanded to include other Fresh Express salad products.
Cyclospora, a parasite that affects the intestinal tract, can cause diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and loss of appetite in infected people, and it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to begin; here's the CDC's full list of Cyclospora symptoms. Infections linked to the salad products have only been reported in the Midwest so far, but the recall affects over 30 states where potentially-contaminated products may have been distributed. Recalled brands include:
- Fresh Express
- ALDI Little Salad Bar
- Giant Eagle
- Hy-Vee
- Jewel-Osco Signature Farms
- ShopRite Wholesome Pantry
- Walmart Marketside
You can identify recalled products via the product code in the upper-right hand corner of the package. "The recall includes products marked with the letter 'Z' at the beginning of the Product Code, followed by the number '178' or lower," the CDC said. The recalled products were all produced a Fresh Express facility in Streamwood, IL. See the FDA's full recalled product details by state and salad brand for more information.
Since May 11, 509 people with Cyclospora infections have reported eating bagged salad mixes before getting sick, all from Midwestern states. The CDC, the FDA, and state health officials are continuing to investigate the origin of the outbreak, but have cited "bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express" as a "likely source." The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating a Cyclospora outbreak in three provinces that's believed to come from Fresh Express salad products. Note that while bagged salad mixes appear to be the source of the outbreak, Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling other salad products from the same facility as a precautionary measure.
If you have one of the recalled products, the CDC recommends throwing it away immediately. If you don't know whether your product has been recalled, and it is a Fresh Express brand with iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and/or carrots, the CDC recommends throw it away without eating.
If you have symptoms of a Cyclospora infection, talk to your doctor and writing down what you ate two weeks before you started feeling sick, the CDC says. You should also tell your local health department about your illness to help track the outbreak.
This post was originally published on June 23 and has since been updated with the most recent information.
jeudi 9 juillet 2020
40 Things You've Been Doing Wrong All Your Life
You were probably happily chugging along in your daily routine until you came across this article. You'll soon realize after reading through these tips that there are many things you've been doing wrong without knowing. From rescuing a wet cell phone to sealing a bag of chips, get ready to have your world turned upside down with these genius life hacks.
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
Bed Bath & Beyond Is Permanently Closing 200 Stores Across the US and Canada
Bed Bath & Beyond is planning to close about 200 stores over the next two years. The company, which also owns Buybuy Baby, World Market, and Harmon Face Values, announced on Wednesday that stores will close across the US and Canada, with mostly Bed Bath & Beyond stores being affected, according to the company's first-quarter report. The decision comes as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; despite the company's online sales surging more than 100 percent during April and May, overall sales have dropped almost 50 percent due to temporary store closures.
As of the end of May, the retailer had a total of 1,478 stores, with 955 of them being Bed Bath & Beyond locations. Nearly all Bed Bath & Beyond stores are currently open to the public, but you can get a closer look at which stores are open or offering contactless curbside pickup near you. Meanwhile, you can also shop the home products and necessities online.
The Love Story Behind This Couple's Marvel-Themed Wedding Is One For the (Comic) Books
Shana and James's love story all began with a simple "like" on social media. The two messaged each other for a while and wound up going on a couple dates. Shana was late to both, but that didn't deter James. In fact, James's mom is always late, and he always thought he would marry someone with similar traits to his mother.
"At the end of the second date when [we] hugged, James [said] he thought I fit him perfectly," Shana told POPSUGAR. "It was like puzzle pieces. We just went well together. It was later I found out from James that at that moment he knew he wanted to be with me for the rest of his life."
When it came to popping the question, James took his time after purchasing the ring to plan the perfect, most memorable proposal. Finally, the idea came to him: first, he wrote and recorded an original song for Shana, then he filmed a music video that featured all of their friends and family with a surprise proposal at the end. Shana was told the film was for a Black love documentary, so she had no idea what James had up his sleeve. "While filming, all our family and friends jumped out of nowhere and screamed 'Shay!'" Shana said. "Looking around the corner to see everybody there, especially my best friend, who I thought was still in Michigan at the time, was totally shocking and mind-blowing. After turning back around I see James on bended knee and of course, I start to cry. He then asks me to marry him, and [I] said yes!" The gesture was sweet, romantic, and in Shana's words, the "most amazing proposal."
It wasn't long after the engagement before the two started planning their big day. Shana knew what she wanted from the start, but agreed to let James have his input. As it turns out, James knew what he wanted as well - a Marvel comics-themed wedding - and immediately started purchasing the outfits and masks needed to make it happen. The couple got married in October 2019 in High Point, NC, and had a celebration of a lifetime, complete with superheroes and elegant touches.
Keep reading to watch Shana and James's proposal music video, see their cute comic bookstore save-the-date photo shoot with their son, and see all marvelous wedding photos captured by photographer Temilola Ajibulu!
Make Your Face Mask Snugger and More Comfortable With a Dentist's Quick TikTok Hack
@oliviacuidmd Highly requested 60s version of my viral mask hack #fyp #doctorsoftiktok #masktutorial #covid19 #viral #maskhack #learnontiktok
♬ original sound - oliviacuidmd
Face masks are the most effective when they're nice and snug against your face. It makes sense: if yours is loose, with big gaps on the sides and top, it's easier for respiratory droplets (which can carry coronavirus particles) to slip out and potentially infect others, which is exactly what the mask is supposed to prevent.
If face mask fitting is a challenge, dentist Olivia Cui, DMD, shared this genius hack on TikTok last month to help you out. In the video, Dr. Cui shows how simply folding your mask in half, knotting the ear loops, and tucking in the edges can result in a snugger, more protective fit. The entire process takes just 60 seconds, and the video has already been viewed over three million times and shared by both Kristen Bell and Katie Couric on Instagram. Dr. Cui demonstrates on a surgical mask, but you can make it work on a cloth face mask as well, and it's definitely worth a try if your mask feels loose - it'll be more protective and more comfortable too.
Serena Williams's Intense TikTok Workout Is a Reminder That She's the GOAT, No Question
I always assumed Serena Williams had an incredibly intense workout routine, but wow, seeing it in action is really something else. The tennis pro recently shared a glimpse of her at-home exercises on TikTok in what appears to be preparation for the US Open next month. "Did someone say tennis?" she captioned the video on Instagram.
At the start of stay-at-home orders, Williams took six weeks off of tennis and focused on letting her body heal from previous injuries. Recently, however, she has returned to the court (sometimes with her adorable daughter, Olympia, at her side) and it appears her training is ramping up again too.
I'm sore just watching her cardio-heavy routine, which features weighted jump squats, ladder runs, ab work, resistance band pulls, and more. Watch the full video above to get a sense of what a day in the life of a superstar athlete is like. She's the most motivating workout buddy we've never had!
This New Alarm Clock Features Everything From Meditations to Sleep Playlists, and We Need It
I know what you're probably thinking: "Who still uses alarm clocks?" and to be completely honest, I felt the same exact way. I don't think I ever had an alarm clock, and I've relied on the alarm on my cell phone for easily the past 10 years.
I'm not anti alarm clocks, and after seeing the Loftie Clock and all of its features, I'm tempted to get one. This isn't your parent's typical alarm clock, people! Loftie features the basics - the time and setting an alarm to wake up - and also includes guided meditations, sleep playlists, breathwork exercises, sound baths, and a variety of relaxing sounds such as white noise to help you fall asleep and feel rejuvenated upon waking up.
If you're thinking, "Why would I want all of this in the form of an alarm clock?" I get it because I too would never think to have all of these features associated with an alarm clock. Studies have shown that keeping technology like your phone and tablet out of your room can help improve your sleep quality, and tools like meditations and sleep playlists can help you wind down. If you want to keep your phone out of your bedroom but still utilize tools to relax and unwind, Loftie is for you.
Additionally, the alarm isn't as aggressive as a traditional alarm and won't have you jumping up out of your sleep once it goes off. And for those who love to hit snooze, there's a two-step alarm with the first alarm gently waking you up and the second alerting you to get out of bed.
If one of your goals is to get better sleep, you might want to check out the Loftie Clock. It's currently availabe for pre-order ($129, originally $165) and will be shipping in November 2020. We're definitely excited about this new gadget and can't wait to try it out! Check out the full video above to learn more about all of the features.
19 Cloth Face Masks That Have Filter Pockets
Since the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) is recommending all Americans wear some kind of face covering when out in public, we're stocking up on all the comfortable options we can find. At the moment, we're interested in washable face masks that have a filter pocket. They're reusable, which is awesome, and as long as you replace the filter every time you use it, you'll be good to go. These are cloth face masks, not N95 styles, but they're still great options for going outside.
From sleek black masks to colorful patterns, these 19 masks are optimal if you have reusable filters. Just keep reading to shop our top picks.
18 Workout Clothes on Sale That Are Actually Affordable, Starting at $15
We're always down to shop new workout clothes, and recently leggings and sports bras have been the subject of our midnight online shopping habit. We always like a deal, and workout clothes can be super expensive, so we're looking hard for new discounts, and we love it when we can score products on sale. These 18 workout clothes are all on sale, and we're ready to shop.
From vibrant leggings we want to wear all summer long to classic sports bras we'll always reach for, these are the pieces worth shopping right now. Plus, there's a pair of leggings with gold hearts on them that is guaranteed to make you smile. Keep reading to shop our picks.
Experts Are Saying There Is Mounting Evidence That Coronavirus Is Airborne
As more studies are conducted, what we know about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it spreads changes. For one, the CDC states that transmission of the virus is most likely caused by ingesting respiratory droplets as opposed to touching infected surfaces - though that can still cause infection. But, how long do these droplets stay in the air? And, how does the size of these droplets affect that transmission? An open letter supported by over 200 experts from 32 countries argues that virus-containing "microdroplets" dispersed from people can be airborne, even though the World Health Organization (WHO) says results are still inconclusive.
A group of experts wrote to WHO back in April, and the debate around airborne transmission has been ongoing ever since. This specific open letter is signed by 239 experts asking for accountability from WHO and stating that smaller particles can infect people and can stay in the air for long periods of time. For background, there's a difference between respiratory droplets that can travel briefly and be ingested versus tiny droplets called aerosols - smaller than five micrometers or microns - which can "float around for a while," Emily Landon, MD, medical director of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control at University of Chicago Medicine, explained in an article.
Dr. Landon wrote the article back in March only days after a national emergency was first declared in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, she explained the general distinction between aerosols and the "small bits of fluid that you can feel and see when someone sneezes." Aerosols are like hairspray in a room, she said. When you go into the bathroom later, it lingers.
On the WHO website, it states that the virus spreads "primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks." But the droplets, WHO says, are relatively heavy, don't travel far, and "quickly sink to the ground." These are the droplets that Dr. Landon specified as "small bits of fluid" as opposed to those aerosols that last in the air.
The Debate Around Airborne Transmission Explained
WHO has not responded to POPSUGAR's request for comment, but in a press briefing on July 7, WHO experts reiterated that, right now, they only recognize airborne transmission being of risk with aerosols in healthcare settings where procedures can disperse them from infected patients. WHO specified in its June 29 update on COVID-19 that these are procedures such as tracheal intubation and bronchoscopy. Anne Liu, MD, immunologist and infectious disease doctor with Stanford Health Care, previously told POPSUGAR, "the healthcare provider is doing something that would cause the patient to generate more aerosols, so putting a tube in their throats to help them breathe or doing a procedure that makes them cough or doing a procedure that makes them potentially gag."
Here's the argument from these experts who signed the open letter: they say that studies do suggest COVID-19 can in fact be airborne and travel through aerosols from person to person. They argue that WHO and other public health organizations don't recognize airborne transmission properly and instead focus on hand washing and physical distancing as the main form of protection for the public, which they feel is "insufficient to provide protection from virus-carrying respiratory microdroplets released into the air by infected people."
A study from The New England Journal of Medicine that mimicked sneezes or coughs from humans, suggested aerosols remained viable in the air for three hours, and researchers told The New York Times in response that aerosols could likely be suspended in the air for 10 minutes to half-hour. The open letter specifically states that airborne transmission is the "only plausible explanation" for what is now being called "superspreading events" where clusters of people are infected with COVID-19.
For instance, a single individual with COVID-19 infected a confirmed 32 people (and 20 more probable others) during a two-and-a-half-hour choir practice in Washington State. An early release paper published by the CDC, which looked at clusters of COVID-19 in Japan from January to April, noted many clusters were associated with "heavy breathing in close proximity, such as singing at karaoke parties, cheering at clubs, having conversations in bars, and exercising in gymnasiums." (You can read more about working out during COVID-19 here.) The size of the droplets in these scenarios is not clear, but those who signed the open letter believe airborne transmission is likely the case in superspreading events in general.
Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech, who was one of the people working on this open letter, told The New York Times that it's unclear how often the virus is spread via aerosols compared with larger droplets that are expelled. Aerosols contain less of the virus than larger droplets do, but they can linger longer in the air. And, via The New York Times, experts have said for months that "infected people also are releasing aerosols when they cough and sneeze. More important, they expel aerosols even when they breathe, talk, or sing, especially with some exertion."
WHO technical lead for COVID-19 Maria Van Kerkhove confirmed in the July 7 press briefing that the organization's focus is on the risk for healthcare workers "where you have those aerosol-generating procedures," but they're also looking at the possible role of airborne transmission in crowded settings with poor ventilation." WHO says it's been going over data and working with "a large number of groups . . . to try to consolidate the growing knowledge around transmission." In the coming days, WHO will be releasing a scientific briefing that will outline what findings it has in this area.
WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan explained in that same briefing that when you're in an "emergency situation" like this pandemic where the science is constantly changing on almost a daily basis, it takes time to review the thousands of publications that WHO gets sent per day. WHO experts do a systematic review of the evidence, and whether or not the experiments that come out of laboratories reflect what happens in day-to-day settings, they cannot conclude. So, when it comes to publishing recommendations with the assistance of its guideline development group (in which some of the scientists authored in those studies are a part of), WHO uses the utmost caution.
Key Prevention Measures to Take From Here
Benedetta Allegranzi, WHO's technical lead on infection control, acknowledged in the July 7 press briefing that more research needs to be done on respiratory droplets as well as on how much of the virus is required to be ingested to infect us in an airborne transmission. There are factors that help protect us from the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets, though. For instance, airflow plays a part. The risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation like some churches, restaurants, and gyms (note: you should still wear a mask outdoors if you're near others). As Dr. Liu told POPSUGAR, "I hope that people understand that the longer you are indoors with other people, even if they're wearing cloth masks or surgical mask, the higher the risk of transmission becomes." Air circulation, she said, disperses respiratory droplets more effectively.
Let's be clear: this doesn't mean that COVID-19 particles are just traveling through the air wherever you go. Bill Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, clarified to The New York Times, "We have this notion that airborne transmission means droplets hanging in the air capable of infecting you many hours later, drifting down streets, through letter boxes and finding their way into homes everywhere." That, he said, is not the case. Instead, we should be wary of being in close range of people, especially indoors and especially when there is a lack of physical distancing happening in a crowded place.
The experts in that open letter wrote, "It is understood that there is not as yet universal acceptance of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV2; but in our collective assessment there is more than enough supporting evidence so that the precautionary principle should apply." (Note: SARS-CoV2 is another term for COVID-19.) As related in the July 7 briefing, WHO recommends avoiding closed settings and crowded situations, and it recommends "appropriate and optimal" ventilation of indoor environments. What's more, WHO recommends physical distancing and masks. For the general public, fabric masks are suggested in areas of widespread transmission where physical distancing is not possible. Medical masks, WHO says, should be saved for healthcare workers, anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, people caring for those with COVID-19, and high-risk individuals when they cannot physically distance.
Here's what to remember moving forward:
Wear masks when physical distancing cannot occur, especially when indoors. N95 masks filter out most aerosols, but cloth masks are recommended for the general public. "Even cloth masks, if worn by everyone, can significantly reduce transmission," one aerosol expert told The New York Times.
Avoid crowded places, especially indoors where you can't physically distance from others. Superspreading events can occur when people are indoors for long periods of time with poor ventilation.
Focus on ventilation. The experts' open letter states that providing "sufficient and effective ventilation (supply clean outdoor air, minimize recirculating air)" is important particularly in public buildings, workplace environments, schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities for older adults. Opening both doors and windows, they said, can "dramatically increase air flow rates in many buildings."
Don't forget about other safety measures. Aka: wash your hands and stay home if you feel sick. If you are a person who is at a higher risk of infection, take appropriate precautions. Call your doctor with any questions, and follow the guidelines put in place where you live.
Bed Bath & Beyond Is Permanently Closing 200 Stores Across the US and Canada
Bed Bath & Beyond is planning to close about 200 stores over the next two years. The company, which also owns Buybuy Baby, World Market, and Harmon Face Values, announced on Wednesday that stores will close across the US and Canada, with mostly Bed Bath & Beyond stores being affected, according to the company's first-quarter report. The decision comes as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; despite the company's online sales surging more than 100 percent during April and May, overall sales have dropped almost 50 percent due to temporary store closures.
As of the end of May, the retailer had a total of 1,478 stores, with 955 of them being Bed Bath & Beyond locations. Nearly all Bed Bath & Beyond stores are currently open to the public, but you can get a closer look at which stores are open or offering contactless curbside pickup near you. Meanwhile, you can also shop the home products and necessities online.
Serena Williams's Intense TikTok Workout Is a Reminder That She's the GOAT, No Question
I always assumed Serena Williams had an incredibly intense workout routine, but wow, seeing it in action is really something else. The tennis pro recently shared a glimpse of her at-home exercises on TikTok in what appears to be preparation for the US Open next month. "Did someone say tennis?" she captioned the video on Instagram.
At the start of stay-at-home orders, Williams took six weeks off of tennis and focused on letting her body heal from previous injuries. Recently, however, she has returned to the court (sometimes with her adorable daughter, Olympia, at her side) and it appears her training is ramping up again too.
I'm sore just watching her cardio-heavy routine, which features weighted jump squats, ladder runs, ab work, resistance band pulls, and more. Watch the full video above to get a sense of what a day in the life of a superstar athlete is like. She's the most motivating workout buddy we've never had!
This New Alarm Clock Features Everything From Meditations to Sleep Playlists, and We Need It
I know what you're probably thinking: "Who still uses alarm clocks?" and to be completely honest, I felt the same exact way. I don't think I ever had an alarm clock, and I've relied on the alarm on my cell phone for easily the past 10 years.
I'm not anti alarm clocks, and after seeing the Loftie Clock and all of its features, I'm tempted to get one. This isn't your parent's typical alarm clock, people! Loftie features the basics - the time and setting an alarm to wake up - and also includes guided meditations, sleep playlists, breathwork exercises, sound baths, and a variety of relaxing sounds such as white noise to help you fall asleep and feel rejuvenated upon waking up.
If you're thinking, "Why would I want all of this in the form of an alarm clock?" I get it because I too would never think to have all of these features associated with an alarm clock. Studies have shown that keeping technology like your phone and tablet out of your room can help improve your sleep quality, and tools like meditations and sleep playlists can help you wind down. If you want to keep your phone out of your bedroom but still utilize tools to relax and unwind, Loftie is for you.
Additionally, the alarm isn't as aggressive as a traditional alarm and won't have you jumping up out of your sleep once it goes off. And for those who love to hit snooze, there's a two-step alarm with the first alarm gently waking you up and the second alerting you to get out of bed.
If one of your goals is to get better sleep, you might want to check out the Loftie Clock. It's currently availabe for pre-order ($129, originally $165) and will be shipping in November 2020. We're definitely excited about this new gadget and can't wait to try it out! Check out the full video above to learn more about all of the features.
19 Cloth Face Masks That Have Filter Pockets
Since the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) is recommending all Americans wear some kind of face covering when out in public, we're stocking up on all the comfortable options we can find. At the moment, we're interested in washable face masks that have a filter pocket. They're reusable, which is awesome, and as long as you replace the filter every time you use it, you'll be good to go. These are cloth face masks, not N95 styles, but they're still great options for going outside.
From sleek black masks to colorful patterns, these 19 masks are optimal if you have reusable filters. Just keep reading to shop our top picks.
The Masked Crusader Is Back - Javicia Leslie Has Been Cast as the New Batwoman
Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
DC fans, grab some popcorn because Javicia Leslie has been chosen to take on the role of Batwoman on the second season of the CW series. "I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show, which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community," Leslie said, according to Deadline. "For all of the little Black girls dreaming to be a superhero one day . . . it's possible!" she added in an Instagram post with the news on July 8.
"For all of the little Black girls dreaming to be a superhero one day . . . it's possible!"
The news comes two months after Ruby Rose announced she would not be returning to the show for a second season. "I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season. This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew, and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles." While Rose never officially confirmed why she decided to leave the show, a source told Variety in May that Rose was not happy working on the show and did not adjust well to living in Vancouver, where the show is filmed.
Following Rose's exit, her Kate Keene character will be retired and Leslie will play a new character named Ryan Wilder who is about to become Batwoman. Ryan is described as "likable, messy, a little goofy, and untamed" and nothing like Kate. According to Ryan's backstory, she spent years as a drug-runner who used bad habits to cope with a life full of pain. Ryan is an out lesbian, athletic, strong, and a dangerous fighter who doesn't fit the traditional superhero stereotype. While Rose's Kate will be missed, it sounds like Ryan is going to bring a whole new level of excitement to the series. The season 2 premiere date for Batwoman has yet to be announced, but you can bet we'll be waiting for Leslie to don the bat mask.
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