I Got an IUD and I’m Never Going Back - This Is Why
https://ift.tt/2BowD4j In my mid-twenties and nowhere closer to having a baby, I was still on the same birth control I've been on since high school. I realized there had to be better options out there than the current birth control pill I was on, and decided it was time to make a change. After research and consulting with my doctor I decided to get an IUD. I was lucky and didn't have any significant health problems with the pill, but after 10 years, I was ready to not have to remember to take a pill every single day. I'm not going to lie, the IUD insertion was a little uncomfortable, but it was worth it. I experienced some pretty serious cramping for a few hours after the application, but other than that my experience with my new birth control has been amazing. While I know everyone has a different experience with IUDs, I only saw improvements to my health and life. Here is why I'm never going back. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 21, 2018 at 11:59AM
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Study: As More Kids Vaped, Teens Smoked Less
https://ift.tt/2S2Zb8Y TUESDAY, Nov. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The advent of the e-cigarette appears to have spurred a huge drop in tobacco smoking rates among teenagers and young adults, a new study claims. Previous research has argued that vaping could prove to be a gateway drug for smoking, by getting youngsters hooked on nicotine and used to the physical actions associated with smoking. Instead, smoking among teens dropped off dramatically after e-cigarette use became more widespread in 2013, said lead researcher David Levy. He is a professor with the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Washington, D.C. "The rate of decline in cigarette use tripled," said Levy. The new findings come days after U.S. regulators pledged to strengthen policies that prevent the sale of flavored vaping products to minors. "I will not allow a generation of children to become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration statement. "We won't let this pool of kids, a pool of future potential smokers, of future disease and death, to continue to build." For the new study, Levy and his colleagues analyzed responses to five different national surveys that track tobacco use. The surveys showed that, prior to 2013, cigarette smoking was gradually declining among young people between the ages of 15 and 25, the researchers reported. But after 2013, that gradual decline turned into a steep decline. The annual relative reduction in smoking tripled among 10th and 12th graders, the investigators found. Why? Levy and his colleagues suggested that, in part, it's because vaping became popular. Past 30-day vaping among high school students increased from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 4.5 percent in 2013, and to 13.4 percent in 2014. "When e-cigarette use came in, smoking rates dropped between 25 and 40 percent," Levy said. "Smoking rates in young adults have dropped by almost 50 percent, and most of that [has been] since 2013." Levy said he's worried that tough e-cigarette regulations could reverse those trends. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ November 21, 2018 at 11:45AM
What Are This Year's Most Dangerous Toys?
https://ift.tt/2Qdd3An TUESDAY, Nov. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Not all the toys in Santa's sack are safe to play with. Among this year's most dangerous playthings are data-collecting dolls and fidget spinners full of lead, a new report says. "We should be able to trust that the toys we buy are safe. However, until that's the case, toy buyers need to watch out for common hazards when shopping for children's presents," said Dev Gowda, of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund. "No child should ever be injured, get sick, or die from playing with a dangerous toy," Gowda said in a news release from the group. The organization's annual "Trouble in Toyland" report highlights a number of dangers, including data-collecting toys that may violate children's privacy. One example is a doll called My Friend Cayla that was found for sale at Walmart and Kohl's. The doll has been banned in Germany for privacy violations. It is also the subject of a complaint by several consumer groups to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission because it may violate the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. In July, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning to consumers to "consider cybersecurity prior to introducing smart, interactive, internet-connected toys into their homes," according to the "Trouble in Toyland" report. Two fidget spinners sold at Target and distributed by Bulls i Toy, L.L.C., were found to have dangerously high levels of lead. The Wild Premium Spinner Brass had 33,000 parts per million of lead, which is more than 300 times the legal limit for lead in children' s products. The Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Metal had 1,300 ppm of lead. Target has said it will remove the fidget spinners from store shelves. "Even small amounts of lead in toys can be ingested when transferred from fingers to mouth or from fingers to food," said Dr. Helen Binns, a lead expert and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Lead harms the developing brain and is easily ingested through normal hand-to-mouth behaviors. Beware of these two fidget spinners, as they have dangerous amounts of lead," Binns said. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ November 21, 2018 at 11:31AM
I Tried Recess, the CBD-Infused Sparkling Water; Here's Everything You Need to Know
https://ift.tt/2TvwW4i Ever since I started working at POPSUGAR, I've been inundated with all things CBD: oils, tinctures, creams, gummies, candy, tea, skincare . . . the list goes on. While I have found success adding it to my daily routine to help fight anxiety and make me calmer, I find most of the products are more hype than effective. So when I heard about Recess, a flavored sparkling water made with hemp extract (where CBD comes from, since it's derived from the hemp plant), I knew I wanted to try it. Recess also contains adaptogens, including schisandra, ginseng, and L-theanine. After all, what could be better than combining my love of sparkling water and all things CBD? Recess sent me a sampler back featuring the three flavors: Blackberry Chai, Peach Ginger, and Pom Hibiscus. Of all of them, Blackberry Chai was my favorite. It sounds like an odd flavor pairing, but the chai is the dominant flavor and it works well with a touch of fruity sweetness. The Peach Ginger was overwhelmingly peach with not much ginger, and the Pom Hibiscus wasn't for me (I'm not a huge fan of pomegranate, in general). Unlike LaCroix, which has a famously subtle fruit flavor, the flavors in Recess are much more bold; the water itself has color because it contains actual fruit juice. It reminds me more of Spindrift sparkling water, which is also made with fruit juice instead of "natural flavors." Did I Feel Anything?OK it tastes fine, but what about the effects? Since I regularly take CBD oil and tinctures (about 20-40 milligrams a day, depending on how anxious I'm feeling), I didn't expect the approximately 10 milligrams of CBD in Recess to do much. The ginseng also promised focus, the L-theanine supposedly helps reduce stress, and Recess claimed the schisandra "boosts immunity and promotes balance." I'm not sure about all that, but I did feel a little calmer after drinking a can. I was also able to crank out more posts at work than normal, which could have been the coffee I had earlier or my newfound focus from a magical sparkling water. The VerdictLike most CBD products, Recess doesn't come cheap: a six-pack sells for $30, so $5 a can. Unlike LaCroix, each serving contains sugar (six grams) and calories (25). But if you're looking for a better-for-you alternative to replace your afternoon coffee and you already shell out $5 for a fancy latte, Recess could be your go-to beverage. In the meantime, I'll stick to my tinctures and teas. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 21, 2018 at 11:18AM
21 Gifts For Your Friend Who's as Obsessed With Pop Culture as She Is the Gym
https://ift.tt/2zjk8pu There's pretty much a fandom for every aspect of pop culture these days. Whether you're obsessed with Starbucks, consider yourself a Potterhead, or can't stop watching (and talking about) Riverdale, chances are you've repped your favorite franchise through cosplay costumes, fun home accessories, and plenty of graphic tees. Why not do the same at the gym? For all those pop culture junkies that are also obsessed with fitness, we've rounded up the cutest workout clothes inspired by your favorite fandoms that will give you the motivation you need to reach your fitness goals. From Disney-themed tanks to Beyoncé-inspired sweats, click through to shop them all - or add them to your own holiday wishlist. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 21, 2018 at 11:18AM
Families Push Officials to Tackle Mystery of AFM
https://ift.tt/2Qbt2Pp Nov. 20, 2018 -- Katie and J.P. Bustamante’s youngest son, Alex, died at the age of 6 -- a year and a half after contracting acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. For the California couple, their child caught what they thought was just a cold, only to realize days later it is actually a rare and mysterious polio-like illness. First, it paralyzed their son at a shocking speed. Eventually, the family says, it killed him. Doctors, they say, never did understand what was happening to their boy or what to do about it. “There never was a consensus on how to treat him,” says his father, J.P. Bustamante. “Doctors were using the best of their medical knowledge to treat his symptoms as they might other, similar things, but they didn’t completely know.” “First, we couldn’t fix him, and then we couldn’t save him,” Katie Bustamante adds through tears. And therein lies the insidious nature of AFM. There’s no consensus about a common cause and AFM can also be extremely difficult to diagnosis – it usually takes a neurologist, spinal exam or MRI. Symptoms include facial droop or weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, and slurred speech. Some patients experience numbness or tingling and, occasionally, pain in their arms and legs. With Alex seemingly permanently disabled, the Bustamantes decided to turn their pain into purpose and to push for more awareness and action about this baffling illness. So in November, 6 months after their son’s death, the Bustamantes flew from California to Washington, DC, joining nine other families from across the country whose children also have AFM, a weakening of the nerves that can lead to paralysis, limb weakness, drooping facial muscles, and trouble moving the eyes. The Bustamantes and many other families of children with AFM believe Congress and federal health officials have been too slow to investigate, research, and spread awareness about this rare illness since cases were first confirmed in 2014. “We are trying to get D.C. to do something,” Katie Bustamante says. “This has been going on for years and they haven’t done anything to figure out why it’s happening and how to stop it.“ Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ November 20, 2018 at 04:40PM
I Spent $200 on a Weighted Blanket, and It's Changed My Entire F*cking Life
https://ift.tt/2OSTloJ Editor's note: The author wrote this while curled up under a weighted blanket. My Friday nights are typically saved for drinking wine, catching up on my DVR, and surfing the internet. (Do people still say "surfing the internet?") Late last year, during one of these weekly rabbit-hole sessions, I stumbled upon a Kickstarter for a weighted "gravity blanket" that promised to ease stress, anxiety, and insomnia. As someone who cherishes sleep to a borderline-disturbing level, I was intrigued. Anything that promises to help me keep calm and sleep on will always get my attention, but something about this seemed different (probably because I'd had a few glasses of wine). After checking out the Kickstarter video, I entered my billing information and slammed the order button. After some months, I was the proud owner of a weighted blanket. I've been using it nearly every day since, and it's pretty much changed my life. The Gravity Blanket ($249, originally $279) comes in a cozy dark gray shade and is the perfect size to cover one person (i.e., me) on a bed or couch. The blanket you choose should be roughly 10 percent of your bodyweight (for example, I bought a 15-pound one), but you can go with something lighter or heavier if you want. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that $249 is nothing, because it's not. Even though I paid considerably less because I got the Kickstarter price, the Gravity Blanket is still one of the more expensive things in my home. But when I get to my apartment, take my bra off, fall onto the couch, and throw my blanket over me, it feels like a much-needed hug at the end of a long and trying day. Here's why you should snap one up for yourself and thank me later. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 20, 2018 at 04:39PM
10 Mindfulness Apps That Will Keep You Present Because Multitasking Is So Last Year
https://ift.tt/2qXpS3G How many times have you found yourself scrolling through Instagram in the middle of relaxing time? We're all about leaving multitasking behind when we need it and instead practicing mindfulness, trying to focus on just one thing to allow our minds and bodies to feel present. It's about the experience, being present, feeling everything, focusing and being aware - and while that sounds daunting, thankfully, you don't have to brave this quest on your own. While you might think looking at your phone goes against everything we just said, there are actually a lot of apps that can help you practice mindfulness through your day. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 20, 2018 at 04:18PM Grab Your Crew and Sweat It Out to The Fitness Marshall's Latest Dance Video to "Woman Like Me"11/20/2018
Grab Your Crew and Sweat It Out to The Fitness Marshall's Latest Dance Video to "Woman Like Me"
https://ift.tt/2OWMT02 We wouldn't classify traditional cardio as sexy or fun, which is why we love to incorporate The Fitness Marshall's dance videos into our workout routine. If you're looking for a cardio workout that's fun and will leave you feeling sore, you've got to check out his newest dance video to "Woman Like Me." The hair flips, booty rolls, and fun choreography are guaranteed to have you feeling like a bona fide badass. "This one will get you fired up! This is for all the sexy woman out there who don't need validation from anyone but themselves," TFM told POPSUGAR. You know what to do. Grab your crew and get ready for all the booty rolls. Be sure to check out the fun choreography in the video above. Health via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/2mWxwLI November 20, 2018 at 04:18PM
CDC: Don’t Eat Any Romaine Lettuce, Throw It Out
https://ift.tt/2Dyn8kA Nov. 20, 2018 -- Just in time for Thanksgiving, the CDC says don’t eat any romaine lettuce and throw it away if it’s in your house. It could cause an E. coli infection. The CDC says stores and restaurants should also not serve or sell any until more about the outbreak is known. This investigation is ongoing and the advice will be updated as more information is available. In this case, romaine lettuce means any kind of romaine: whole heads, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad. If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, do not eat it and throw it away, the CDC says. But don’t stop there. Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine was stored, the CDC warns. Thirty-two people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 in 11 states. Illnesses began Oct. 8, and the most recent was confirmed Oct. 31. Thirteen people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Those who became sick from this outbreak were infected with E. coli with the same DNA as the strain responsible for a 2017 outbreak. But, the CDC says, this particular outbreak is not related to a multistate outbreak earlier this year. Health via WebMD Health https://www.webmd.com/ November 20, 2018 at 03:43PM |
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