5 Things we know about the Billie Eilish documentary
The 19-year-old pop sensation has had cameras following her around since 2017, and now we know why!
As Japan fights a third wave of the coronavirus, there are doubts it can host the games this summer.
Recommitting to resolutions: how to stay on track when things get busyIf a new routine gets derailed, it’s easy to give up entirely. With an increasingly hectic schedule, Brigid Delaney learns how to work around it * Read the previous weeks’ diaries here
'We're bracing for things to get worse': crisis continues for Australia's roadiesWith their industry one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, live events crew remain in urgent need of financial and emotional support
It wasn't your typical beachside footwear moment.
Now that a COVID-19 vaccine is here, many people are starting to let their guard down and returning to all of their regular pre-COVID places and activities. However, until the country has achieved herd immunity—which isn't likely to happen until at least the fall, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert—many of your favorite old haunts still aren't 100 percent safe. The Mayo Clinic, the nonprofit American academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research, has issued warnings and suggested guidance for a variety of places. Read on to find out what they have to say—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Think Twice Before You Travel "Wide-spread vaccination holds promise for ending the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but it won't happen overnight," the Mayo Clinic points out. "In the meantime, continue taking precautions to protect yourself and others, especially if you must travel." They encourage asking yourself a variety of questions prior to travel. For example, whether COVID-19 is spreading where you live or at your destination. "The more cases in your community or at your destination, the more likely you are to get and spread COVID-19 during travel," they point out. Also, if you are at risk for severe illness or live with someone who is, you should reconsider. "Anyone can get COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19," they say. 2 Avoid Gatherings "While it is understandable that people are trying to find ways to safely socialize together in the same physical space, we have seen multiple cases of COVID-19 transmission among people who attended outdoor gatherings where they tried to maintain social distance," says Dr. Melanie Swift, a Mayo Clinic preventive medicine expert. "Despite the best efforts of the hosts and attendees, it is almost impossible to maintain COVID-19 precautions at a gathering such as this." Indeed: "Being in large gatherings or crowds of people where it's difficult to stay spaced at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart poses the highest risk," according to the Clinic. "The larger the group and the longer people are together in these situations, the higher the risk. Weddings, festivals and parades are examples." 3 Don't Send Your Kids to Camp No, camp is not the same as school, explains the Mayo Clinic. "Camps are generally high risk because campers come from different locations and spend a lot of time together indoors, in close contact," they warn. However, they do point out that risk can be reduced if campers are from the same area, avoid sharing objects, wear masks, and camp activities are kept outdoors while maintaining social distancing. 4 Don't Visit the Playground While the playground might seem like a good idea for an outdoor activity with your kids, the Mayo Clinic warns against them due to "many frequently touched surfaces" of the equipment, which could theoretically spread the virus that causes COVID-19. "Children who use playground equipment should maintain distance from others, avoid touching their faces and wash their hands afterward to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus," they say. 5 Be Cautious About Indoor Dining Before you walk into a restaurant, sit down, and order food, the Mayo Clinic warns that you need to do your homework and check their safety practices. This includes making sure employees wear face masks, regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces and practice social distancing, that there is good ventilation, tables are socially distanced, and that menus are digital or disposable. Also, dine outdoors when possible, avoid dining during busy times, and keep your visit brief. 6 Be Careful with Places of Worship While group worship may be an important part of your life, it is incredibly important to be cautious before walking into a church, temple, or mosque as these types of settings have been linked to numerous super spreader events. "Before going to a place of worship, check to see if the size of gatherings is being limited and how that might affect your visit," they suggest. "Seek out services held in large, well-ventilated areas or outdoors. Continue social distancing during services." They also suggest avoiding contact with any frequently touched items, such as books, placing donations in a stationary collection box, and avoiding communal food. 7 Think Twice About Going to the Gym While exercise is an important component of health, the Mayo Clinic points out that they can be risky. "If you're at higher risk of serious illness, you might consider waiting to return to the gym," they warn. If you do go, they suggest selecting a time when it isn't busy, opting for outdoor exercise instead of indoor, making sure social distancing is implemented, cleaning all equipment before and after use, limiting high-intensity activity indoors, and also consider virtual group exercise classes. Also, make sure the gym has cleaning/disinfecting policies and is taking member's temperatures before entering the facility. 8 Be Cautious About Going to the Salon The Mayo Clinic suggests calling your salon ahead of time and asking about safety measures. Certain policies—like requiring clients to arrive alone, having them wash their hair at home, asking them to wait in their car until their appointment, staggering appointments, or eliminating blow drying—can significantly reduce risk. "Wear a face covering at all times when you are inside the salon," they instruct. Also, make sure they are disinfecting properly, the staff is wearing masks and washing hands, and nail technicians are using single-use gloves and other tools. 9 Shop Safely at Grocery Stores While going to the grocery store may be essential, to reduce risk the Mayo Clinic suggests visiting the store when it isn't crowded to make social distancing easier. "At the store, disinfect the handle of the shopping cart or basket. Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others while shopping and in lines. If possible, pay without touching money or a keypad or use hand sanitizer after paying. Also, apply hand sanitizer after you leave the store. When you get home, wash your hands. If you use reusable shopping bags, clean them before each use." And, they also suggest ordering your groceries online for home delivery or curbside pickup. 10 Avoid Indoor Banking The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding contact with an actual banker. "During visits to the bank, use the ATM, if possible," they say. "Clean the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe before using it. When you are done, apply hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you get home." 11 Plan Ahead When Pumping Gas at the Gas Station Before touching any handles or buttons at the gas station, be sure to wipe them down. And, after you finish fueling, apply hand sanitizer and wash your hands when you get home or the next time you are near a sink, the Mayo Clinic adds. 12 Take Precaution When Picking Up Prescriptions at the Pharmacy The Mayo Clinic suggests ordering and picking up your medications at the same time. "If possible, call in prescription orders ahead of time and use a drive-thru window, curbside pickup, mail order or other delivery service," they suggest. "Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can get a larger supply of medication so that you don't have to visit the pharmacy as often."RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says Dr. Fauci 13 Make Sure Your Massage Therapist Has Taken Preventative Measure Before having a massage, the Mayo Clinic suggests asking about what precautions your massage therapist is taking to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. "Ideally, the number of people in the space will be limited to allow for social distancing and you'll be able to check in and out using virtual tools," they point out. "Massage rooms, communal areas and any objects you might touch should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sanitized. Ask about the laundry policy for linens, towels and other washable items. Massage therapists should follow hand-washing and hygiene protocols and use equipment to protect themselves, such as gloves and masks." 14 How to Survive This Pandemic So follow the public health fundamentals and help end this surge, no matter where you live—wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Our mouths are watering just thinking about Chick-fil-A's newest grilled chicken sandwich. The limited-time-only Grilled Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich will land in select Chick-fil-A restaurants starting Jan. 25 and it's one you don't want to miss out on.The new spicy chicken sandwich will give you all the same taste and vibes as the other spicy selections on the menu, but now in a grilled option so you can avoid any extra grease. The chicken is grilled in Chick-fil-A's spicy seasoning before being served on a multigrain bun with tomato, lettuce, and cheese. If you think the sandwich still sounds a little naked, you'll be happy to know that Chick-fil-A is also rolling out a Cilantro Lime Sauce designed specifically to go with this sandwich.The cilantro and lime flavors perfectly complement the spice blend used on the chicken to bring a certain level of coolness to your dining experience. (Related: Chick-fil-A Menu Items Nutritionists Order)Chick-fil-A began testing grilled offerings back in 2017 in certain markets, and thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the chain decided to roll out this new spicy grilled option. Though Chick-fil-A hasn't yet provided nutritional info for the new grilled sandwich, we do know that the plain grilled chicken sandwich currently on the menu clocks in at 320 calories. Keep in mind, though, that this sandwich doesn't have cheese on it, but the spicy option does.To cut back on the calories, you can opt to remove the cheese from the sandwich or even forego the bun. After all, the chicken is the true star of this dish! The Cilantro Lime Sauce will also add extra calories to your meal, and while we're sure it's delicious, we know for a fact that the chicken's spice blend carries enough flavor that the extra sauce is truly just that — extra.If you're in a place, though, where it's time for a treat meal, the Chick-fil-A Grilled Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich as it comes is still a fairly nutritious option that will make your stomach and your taste buds happy. Check your local Chick-fil-A starting Jan. 25 to see if the new sandwich is available to you.For more restaurant news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
She *is* the diamond of the season.
A British media report published Friday claimed the Games could be canceled.
Tony award-winning Broadway choreographer Bob Avian dies aged 83The director and choreographer, whose credits include A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls, has died after a cardiac arrest in Florida
“The California Dream Dial” hotline will help you have something to look forward to.
The second "bridge" ep, focusing on Jules, hits HBO Max today.
Every day, more people are lining up for the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts—including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—warn that getting the population vaccinated for the first time is essential in order to achieve herd immunity. However, in order to sustain it, people will need to be vaccinated regularly. So, after your initial shot and booster, when will be a good time to go in for your second round of immunizations? Don't plan on it being at your next flu shot appointment, instruct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read on to find out what they said about pairing the flu shot or any other vaccines with the COVID vaccine—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. The CDC Advises You Should Not Get a COVID-19 Vaccine and Flu Vaccine at the Same Time"No. You should not get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time," the CDC firmly states as part of new guidance."COVID-19 vaccines should be given alone with at least 14 days either before or after you get any other vaccines, including a flu vaccine," they continue. "This is because there is currently limited information on the safety and effectiveness of getting other vaccines at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. As more information becomes available, this recommendation may change. Your healthcare provider can help you decide the best vaccination schedule for you and your family."RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says Dr. FauciOnce You Are Vaccinated, When Will You Need to Get It Again?Unfortunately, the CDC still isn't sure exactly how long immunity from an infection or the vaccine will last. "COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness," they explain. "Both natural immunity and immunity produced by a vaccine are important parts of COVID-19 disease that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.""Current evidence suggests that getting the virus again (reinfection) is uncommon in the 90 days after the first infection with the virus that causes COVID-19," they point out. "We won't know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until we have more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available."In the meantime, it is still crucial to follow Dr. Anthony Fauci's fundamentals and help end this surge, no matter where you live—wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Research from Forter shows that false declines could cause losses of up to 75x more than fraud itself.
Hold onto your cosmos, “SATC” is officially back! The HBO Max reboot is set to air in 2021, but in the meantime, here’s a refresher on the show’s original stars. Relive the storylines of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, and discover what the actresses behind the fab four are up to now.
There's no disputing that bananas are a nutritious food—not only are they an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, but they're also packed with filling fiber and cancer-fighting antioxidants. According to Harvard Health, the American Medical Association may have even named this fruit as the first "superfood" in the early 20th century. All that said, there is such a thing as eating too many bananas, and experts say it's impossible to miss the top warning sign that you're going overboard."The warning signs of eating too many bananas would be the same as eating too much of any food—uncomfortable fullness and digestive discomfort," says Andres Ayesta, MS, RD, CEO of Planos Nutrition.There are several reasons why you might experience some unpleasant GI side effects if you're overdosing on bananas every day. According to researchers at Makerere University, this fruit contains a significant amount of tannic acid, which is harmless in small doses but can cause a number of side effects in large amounts. In the short term, ingesting a lot of tannic acid can cause constipation—and in the long term, it can negatively impact your microbiome (or gut health)."Bananas can be constipating so if you are prone to that, track your symptoms," says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club. "Anyone watching blood sugar or with digestive issues needs to monitor their diets more carefully.Related: Check out these 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.Another factor to consider is that bananas contain a natural sugar alcohol called sorbitol, which can trigger laxative-like effects in your body when you consume a lot of it. Bananas are also packed with soluble fiber, a specific type of carbohydrate that is known to cause gas. When your body starts breaking down both the sorbitol and the soluble fiber together, it produces carbon dioxide, methane gas, and hydrogen—which may result in flatulence, among other uncomfortable GI effects. Particularly among people who are already dealing with digestive issues, eating large amounts of the soluble fiber found in bananas can lead to bloating and constipation."Fruits contain the sugar fructose, which may trigger symptoms in people with IBS," says Ayesta. "However, different people have different IBS triggers, so this is specific to the individual."Additionally, if you haven't been eating a fiber-rich diet, and suddenly started eating a lot of bananas—it takes a lot of work for your large intestine to break down the soluble fiber, and when it gets overloaded, you may experience gas and/or bloating.To be clear, eating bananas on a regular basis shouldn't cause these side effects unless you already have a digestive disorder. Interestingly, bananas—especially less ripe ones—are high in resistant starch, which promotes gut health while also warding off constipation and gas. Still, experts say it's best to eat them in moderation for several reasons."Eating too much of any single food is not a good idea because that means you are missing out on the variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals provided by eating an array of plant foods including fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, seeds, and whole grains," says Harris-Pincus. "I wouldn't recommend more than one banana a day for that reason. If you are eating so many bananas per day you are concerned, perhaps you should cut back."According to Ayesta, the main thing to ask yourself is whether the amount of bananas you're consuming is causing you to exceed your calorie or carbohydrate needs—or miss out on nutrients from other food sources."90% of the calories in bananas come from carbs, and it's important to have sources of protein and fat in your diet as well," he explains. "Also, bananas consumed without including a source of protein and fat as well can cause blood sugar spikes that may make you feel lethargic."For the sake of balance, Harris-Pincus recommends pairing bananas with Greek yogurt and nuts or cottage cheese and chia seeds—that way, you're getting a dose of healthy fat and protein as well.The bottom line? As long as the amount of bananas you're consuming allows you to meet your body's needs, and doesn't cause any noticeable digestive discomfort, then you should feel free to enjoy this superfood on the regular. So keep your portion sizes normal by whipping up one of these 10 Healthiest Banana Recipes.
Amanda Gorman, the young Black poet who performed at President Joe Biden's inaugural, has become an overnight star with her works shooting to the top of Amazon bestseller lists ahead of their publication.
Can't a 79-year-old man wear mittens and sit with his legs crossed in 40-degree weather anymore?
“That’s a big Twinkie.”
One of the most common symptoms associated with mild cases of COVID-19 is loss of sense of taste and smell. For some, these senses come back shortly after recovering from the virus, however, for others, it's much longer.In fact, several people reported they have yet to fully regain their sense of taste and smell many months after exposure. If foods are still tasting bland, it can be difficult to find the motivation to eat—which is why people often report that they lose weight while battling with COVID-19. (Related: The One Vitamin Doctors Are Urging Everyone to Take Right Now).However, if you're struggling to get your appetite back, know that you're not alone. New York Times California restaurant critic and columnist for The New York Times Magazine, Tejal Rao, recently wrote an article revealing the one flavor she attributes to reviving her desire to eat. Her secret? The classic Sichuan flavor, mala.Mala, which translates to numbing and spicy, is the flavor that results from a mixture of Sichuan peppercorns and chiles. If you've never had the pleasure of trying Sichuan peppercorns, it's an experience, to say the least. I actually tried one myself at the now-closed Brooklyn Cider House in Bushwick, and I can still vividly remember the sensation two years later.Upon biting into the peppercorn, I remember it tasted quite bitter, almost piney, then my tongue started tingling until it went completely numb. My mouth soon became overwhelmed with a comfortable, sustained heat. After a few minutes, the sensation finished with notes of citrus. It was by far one of the most bizarre yet pleasant, and exciting flavor profiles I have ever tasted.While I have not had COVID-19, I can understand how a dish with this ingredient in the mix could reignite one's senses. That odd feeling of electricity buzzing on the top of your tongue comes from a molecule found in Sichuan peppercorns called, hydroxy-alpha sanshool."My brain was incapable of interpreting the delicious information floating around me, unable to detect, let alone identify, any of the aromas I took in through my nose. Without smells to guide me, my sense of taste faded and food flattened out, going gray and muted, dull and lifeless," Rao wrote in her article for The New York Times Magazine.She described the mouthfeel of cheese as that of rubber and paste and popcorn as "thorny foam." Then, when she had mapo tofu and boiled fish flavored with mala, it awoke her senses, saying it, "made me aware of the blood rushing through my face.""It reminded me that I was still alive. And that was enough. I could taste with some dimension, in color, with exhilaration. Or at least, despite the anosmia, I could feel as if I were tasting," Rao wrote.If you're still struggling to regain your sense of taste and smell, perhaps it's time to get your hands on some mala and give your taste buds something new to work with.For more, be sure to read How Coffee Can Help You Find Out If You Have COVID and 5 Grocery Store Items That Help You Combat COVID.