May 16, 2019 at 08:26AM by CWC It doesn’t take a genius to know that sitting bum-to-porcelain on a public toilet probably isn’t the most sanitary choice. But come on: We all do it every once in a while. Squatting is a pain in the butt (literally), those paper toilet seat covers are useless, and my colleague noted earlier today: “Sitting on the toilet is just really nice.” And, really, how bad can it be, right? Well, according to experts, it’s… not great (but also not a big deal). The myth that you can get an STI from a toilet seat has been debunked and you’re highly unlikely to get any sort of disease, but public toilet seats are a hotbed for bacteria and you could potentially pick up an infection. “When you flush a toilet all that waste that’s in that toilet bowl is going down the tube and it’s aerosolized, so you can find a lot of bacteria and viruses in the environment around the toilet,” says Michael Pentella, PhD, clinical professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa. And in fact, studies have found that this “toilet plume” contains E. coli, SARS, and norovirus. But you’re probably not going to get sick just by sitting on the toilet. “Sitting on the toilet isn’t a great risk because the pathogens in waste are gastrointestinal pathogens. The real risk is touching surfaces that might be infected with bacteria and viruses and then ingesting them because they’re on your hands,”
Category: 2019 Health
Beat summer heat by snacking on these Ayurvedic cooling foods
May 16, 2019 at 08:04AM by CWC When you’re spending scorching summer days outside, it’s pretty standard to rely on icy cold beverages and Popsicles to beat the heat. But according to both Eastern and Western health experts, there are better (and equally delicious) ways to cool down from the inside out: cooling foods for the body. Here, integrative physician Tania Dempsey, MD, and Divya Alter, the co-founder of Bhagavat Life, an Ayurvedic culinary school, and Divya’s Kitchen, an Ayurvedic restaurant in Manhattan, both give insight into the three food rules to keep in mind when eating this summer while staying cool in the process. 1. Choose water-based foods In Ayurveda, Alter explains that the idea of cooling doesn’t directly refer to temperature; it’s about the metabolic effect different foods can have on the body. “After food passes through the stomach to the intestine, then that’s where you experience the cooling or the heating effect,” Alter says. You know how when you eat a spicy curry, your body feels a bit warm and fiery? That’s because curry spices are considered “heating foods.” “In general, water-based foods such as cucumber, zucchini, greens, berries, coconut, and watermelon are cooling,” Alter says. Dr. Dempsey says Western medicine supports this, too. “The key to cooling the body down from the inside, from a Western medicine perspective, is to keep hydrated. Fruits like watermelon and vegetables like celery contain a lot of water and minerals that help with hydration.” Hydrating foods cool the body, Dr.
Avoid all 6 types of narcissists—but mental-health pros say one type is especially damaging
May 16, 2019 at 07:16AM by CWC The term “narcissist” gets thrown around pretty often and haphazardly to describe actions that reflect someone’s self-interest. But at its core, narcissism goes beyond your friend monopolizing the dinner conversation last weekend to talk about her recent hot fling or awful boss. Rather, it’s a straight-up personality disorder that causes someone to have an inflated sense of self-importance. While narcissists are often charming at first (or second or third) blush, it’s best to avoid dating them or befriending or otherwise inviting them into your life for obvious reasons. But—since the disorder isn’t one-size-fits-all and there are several different types of narcissists, steering clear is often easier said than done. “Many times, people can’t believe a person is that self-centered and lacking in empathy,” says therapist Lesli Doares, LMFT. “They are given the benefit of the doubt because they can act in ways that seem generous, but it’s only a ploy to keep someone connected to them or to get something specific in return.” It’s easy to latch on to those moments as “proof” that the narcissist actually cared, she explains—but this false earnestness doesn’t last. Add up all this confusion, and it’s easy to see how simple unknowingly letting a narcissist into your life can be—which is precisely why it’s so important to know about the different types of narcissists, and their defining characteristics. Learn about the 6 types of narcissists below—and which you should absolutely avoid. 1. The toxic narcissist There’s a
The swimsuits that will stay put for everything you do—from lounging to laps
May 16, 2019 at 05:00AM by CWC Some people can go to the beach or pool and lay on their towel listening to music or reading a book from the early morning hours until the sun goes down. Others, (it me), need some activity mixed into their day. Whether it’s to get some exercise or to take a dip in the deep blue, for those who like to keep busy, a swimsuit’s gotta have many features to stay in my heavy rotation. Because while a gorgeous cutout silver maillot or super frilly string bikini might work for those who like lounging with a cocktail and giant sunglasses, for those who like to keep things moving, a supportive swimsuit is more in order. Luckily for us, swimsuits have evolved. You can now find sporty options that are as cute, sophisticated, and sexy (not a racerback in sight). There are certain elements that lend themselves to being able to do laps or throw a frisbee in. Tops that are adjustable or are longer; bottoms that have a higher rise or snug fit; and one-pieces that have risen to number one in our hearts. In other words, when it comes to beachwear, you really can have it all. So keep on scrolling to find swimsuits that will stay put no matter what you’re up to this summer. Photo: Carve Design Long Line Top: Carve Design Sanitas Reversible Top ($56) Prevent the dreaded top coming off in the water with a longer-lined and
Dermatologists are begging you to please stop using walnuts to scrub your face
May 16, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC When it comes to exfoliating your face, there are about as many different options out there as there are feuds between Real Housewives cast mates. In other words, there are a lot of ’em. There are chemical exfoliants, which slough off dead skin using acids, and then there are the physical ones, AKA the scrubs that get the job done manually. And within each category, there are a number of different options to choose from. But according to dermatologists, there is only one common exfoliating ingredient that should never find its way into your routine (in the words of Taylor Swift: like, ever) and that’s walnuts. There have been a lot of conversations over the last few days surrounding a new “gentle” scrub from a brand that rhymes with Shmylie Shmosmetics that uses “fine walnut powder” to help resurface your skin, but the Internet has been quick to call BS on the stuff… and dermatologists seem to vehemently agree. “Definitely don’t exfoliate with walnut,” confirms board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of BiaLife Shasa Hu, MD. “The pieces are harsh. The perfect exfoliant should be perfectly round and spherical so it doesn’t cause microscopic abrasion to your epidermis.” Walnut particles are obviously not perfectly shaped, so they risk cutting up your face with little micro-injuries, which will make you more prone to sensitivity and environmental pollutants. Plus, you may not be able to tolerate antioxidants as well, which means your usually soothing serums could have the
Here’s how to tell if you’re a totally boring person, according to an expert
May 15, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC It happens all the time: I do something social, attend a party or hang out with friends, whatever, have a great time, then come home and wonder…. wait, do they all think I’m boring? It’s this weird paranoia I have in the back of my head (although my colleague Zoë told me that I’m the “least boring person she knows,” so there’s that), and it was definitely more prevalent when I was a shy kid/teenager, but I like to think that I am not alone in this fear—which kinda feels irrational. And my inkling was right: When I brought up my feelings at work, pretty much everyone in the office agreed that they, too, have this inherent worry that other people think they’re boring. WTF? The dictionary defines boring as “not interesting” and “tedious.” Are that many people representing these unfavorable ideas? Here’s the thing: It’s all subjective. “What I say is fun you might not find fun, and I think boring is similar,” says Jennifer Silvershein, LCSW. “I tried to step back and ask myself what constitutes as boring, and to me, those are really abstract definitions to put on something—because what I find interesting you might find absolutely boring, and so it can really be two different things for each of us.” That’s true—I find it fascinating to talk about Game of Thrones while others roll their eyes and think I’m insane for watching the best show ever made. So there’s that. She also
Apple’s text reactions have officially become the body language of sexting
May 15, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC When Apple rolled out its tepidly anticipated reaction feature for iMessage back in 2016, it made more of a ripple than a full-blown wave in the realm of digital communication. iPhone users were marginally enthused about the fireworks and invisible ink features for a mere iOS 10 seconds (ha, get it?) before returning to their normally scheduled appsturbation. Flash forward three years, however, and the tides, they are a-changing. The mini-innovations have gained traction, and not just in the form of HBD wishes that turn into confetti: Now, if sexting is the dirty talk of virtual connection, reactions are officially the body language for how to flirt over text. For context regarding WTF I’m talking about (you mean you aren’t employing the “!” reaction as a form of foreplay yet?), I shall offer up a sexample. Let’s say someone you’ve been hooking up with texts that they’d like to try, say, pegging. You could shoot back a flirty, cheeky message written in all in letters, or an eggplant emoji, or (or!) you could go with a subtle, yet evocative thumbs-up reaction. I know it may not seem groundbreaking at first blush, but when you consider it’s pretty much the digital equivalent of someone angling their feet toward you in real life (a surefire body-language sign that someone’s flirting), it seems like the start of a smartphone-era episode of Sex and the City. Zhana Vrangalova, PhD, sexpert for luxury sex-toy brand LELO, draws a
Adding this one ingredient to your smoothie can majorly boost gut health
May 15, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpUMmDLxK_w] You probably already know that that probiotics are key for keeping your gut healthy. But herbalist, health coach, and Supernatural founder Rachelle Robinett says there’s another substance that can majorly boost gut health: acacia fiber. It’s so beneficial that it’s the starring ingredient in her Supernatural Smoothie, which she whips up in the latest episode of Well+Good’s YouTube series, Plant-Based. “Acacia fiber is a form of prebiotic fiber,” Robinett explains in the episode. “It’s a soluble fiber and what your gut bacteria need to live.” Basically, the acacia fiber feeds the probiotic bacteria in the gut. This, Robinett says, helps the body better digest and absorb food, which in turn leads to more energy, a better mood, and all sorts of other benefits. It’s no surprise that acacia fiber has become a popular (and more natural) way for brands to add fiber into their products—like Bulletproof’s forthcoming high-fiber powder, InnerFuel. Robinett shares up her go-to, fiber-backed smoothie recipe that just so happens to be rich in acacia fiber. But if you want to know how to make it, you have to watch the video above for the full scoop. Health experts are all-in when it comes to fiber, but there are some things you should know before adding it in earnest to your diet. And another wellness beverage Robinett likes to sip on: sparkling beauty water. Continue Reading… Author Emily Laurence | Well and Good Selected by iversue
3 things dermatologists would never do to their skin—like, not ever
May 15, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC Growing up, I used to emulate my mom in terms of a beauty routine. I’d swipe on lipstick and think that was the most glamorous of all. As a teen, I copied my peers, shellacking on lip gloss and baby-blue eyeshadow. Now—as a mature, skin-care loving adult—my beauty regimen has been streamlined after years of trial and error—but, most importantly, after learning a lot from dermatologists. Every time I get to talk or meet with a derm, I immediately pull out my recorder and hold onto every single word of advice they dole out. I’m even kinda starstruck by them, since I look up to derms as the true heroes and scientists behind healthy skin—so whenever I get the chance, I ask them as many questions as humanly possible in the time I have with them. The topic on my mind as of late? Things that dermatologists would absolutely never do to their skin. Clearly, judging by my own skin-care history (chock-full of over-exfoliation, product saturation, and harsh irritants), I’m so curious to hear the experts’ own mistakes, along with common skin-care practices that they’d never do to their own complexions. And so: These are the three habits you should never incorporate into your own beauty routine, according to derms. 1. Pick zits This is one you’ve probably heard often, but it remains a skin-care staple: Do not pick your pimples. “I’d never pick at a zit!” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, dermatologist and
Art therapy harnesses the healing power of your creativity
May 15, 2019 at 12:14PM by CWC Maybe the margin of every notebook you’ve ever owned (yup, even the one for “notes” at work) is filled with doodles you’ve been honing since second grade. Maybe you can’t draw a straight line. Either way, if you’re coping with trauma or are just looking for a science-backed way to relieve stress, art therapy could be another strategy to help you process what you’re going through. This isn’t a usual art class where you learn a new technique or draw from a model. Trained therapists use a variety of materials—paper, pen, watercolors, clay—to help people express their thoughts and emotions. More than the artwork itself, “art therapy is about the process, and using art to explore and learn more about yourself,” says Gretchen Miller, MA, ATR-BC, ACTP, an art therapist in private practice for 20 years. It’s something that has a pretty considerable appeal—in a recent survey conducted by Saatchi Art on art and wellness, 88 percent of respondents said they would use or consider using art therapy as part of their own self-care. But what is art therapy, exactly? Experts share everything you need to know about the important mental health practice. Who could benefit from art therapy? Art was first used therapeutically in psychiatric wards and hospitals in the 1940s, often for people who had a hard time expressing themselves verbally. The American Art Therapists Association (AATA) was founded in 1969, with the Art Therapy Credentials Board created in 1993 to