SIGN THE PETITION FOR A NATIONAL MASK MANDATE

A National Mask Mandate is needed for the United States in 2020. 

If we all MaskUp when out in public, we can reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Masks are our Key Tool - Masks are our Key Tool to Reduce the Spread of the Virus when out in public or when social distancing otherwise cannot occur or meet circumstances. This is backed by Science and Data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance states Americans should wear masks in all “public settings when around people outside of their household."

Using Masks SAVE LIVES!! - Wearing Masks Properly Saves Lives! Protect and Respect Others as well as Yourself.

We need to quickly get to CRITICAL MASS now - If most people properly used masks, we  could significantly reduce the community spread of Covid-19. Masks work when most people use them. 

“So just as we’ve seen cases skyrocket, we can turn this thing around in two to three weeks if we can get a critical mass of people wearing face coverings, practicing at least six feet of social distancing, doing the things that we know are effective,” - U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams.

States next to hot spot states are more vulnerable in these challenging times.

The countries that have been successful in reducing the spread of the virus wore masks, socially distanced and washed/sanitized their hands. 

There should be a National Mask Mandate until the hazards and dangers faced by Covid-19 are reduced.

#NMM #NationalMaskMandate #MandateMasks #MaskUp #MaskUpAmerica #FederalMaskMandate #WearAMask #WearADamnMask

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E13. | BUNGALOW SK WITH MISS NEW JERSEY USA GINA MELLISH

On today's episode of Bungalow SK, we catch up with Miss NJ USA 2020, Gina Mellish as we all continue to navigate quarantine and social distancing due to COVID-19. Gina shares her history in the pageant world, being crowned and how she continues to fulfill her duties even during these past few months. In addition, she talks about how she uses her personal journey and her platform to assist those who are dealing with domestic violence and its effects regardless of the kinds of interpersonal relationships that you're involved in. She even talks about her work with One Love Foundation. We chat about how you can identify if you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence and how you can help. She also talks about how these situations take on a bigger need to assist those that need help during times of COVID-19. We also talk about the road ahead from preparing to compete for Miss USA as well as her love for the fashion industry.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

MANAGING THE ANXIETY WITH HEATHER CENTURIONI

We are living in the midst of times that we couldn't create out of the most vivid of our imaginations! With so much uncertainty, we checked in with Heather Centurioni of CODE RED to talk about how being an athlete has fueled her career, how to motivate others to make good choices as they sustain their fitness goals as well as their mental health. She shares insightful tips that are worth noting as we continue to navigate our new reality.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You grew up as a junior elite level athlete in downhill skiing and suffered a horrific downhill ski race accident - how did that shape your focus in living a healthy lifestyle?

HEATHER CENTURIONI: As a young athlete, I could eat whatever I wanted. I could get away with a lot. We were taught to carb-load, etc. I don’t think I ever realized the power of food until I became overweight and nothing was working. I wanted to be healthy, but I had no idea where to start. I knew I was addicted to sugar and carbs. I knew I didn’t need another diet. I needed to learn how to eat. How to fuel my body. How to take care of myself. I also wanted to feel good again, like I did as a young athlete.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to work in the wellness industry and become a health and wellness coach?

HC: I always have felt the pull to help people. I knew it was my calling, but I struggled for years to figure out what that meant and what it looked like. I am a mother hen at heart. I am at my best when I am lifting others up.

When I began my wellness journey in June 2017, I saw that I was going to get healthy and when I could lift others up who was on the same path, it felt really good! I saw how a high vibe tribe can guarantee success.

AM: How important is accountability in your wellness journey whether you're looking to stay fit, lose weight or other goals that involve transforming your goals based on your desired need?

HC: Listen, if we all could do it alone, we would have already done it, right? I was an elite ski racer, it was me and the clock on the course. I played tennis and golf. I tend to lean towards individual things. “I can do it on my own” type things. In high school and college, I loathed group projects. I prefer things my way. That type A, self-centered trait was not serving me well in my desire to get healthy. I was failing at every corner. I was ashamed. I managed to pack on over 200 pounds, which was far too much for my 5’3” frame. My prosthetics didn’t fit. I was a fat amputee and it was depressing. Having an accountability group was integral to my success. It required me to open up, to be honest, and to be vulnerable. Sharing your good days, right along with your bad days is as important as seeing others do the same. I came to Code Red feeling very isolated. I was depressed. I assumed I was the only one. Being part of a group that understood my feelings really made a difference.

AM: Tell us about CODE RED and why you decided to use their program when you were looking to lose weight?

HC: I was drawn to Code Red for several reasons. It was simple. I wasn’t going to have to exercise (for an overweight amputee, this was key!). My prosthetics were so ill-fitting, just walking around the house was painful. I started with an entry-level challenge. I had nothing to lose. I was deflated, depressed and quite possibly the lowest spot in all my years. The easy rules, support and no-nonsense approach drew me in. I also knew that the program had a maintenance plan. I knew I could get the weight off, but I had never found a program that taught you how to maintain. Funny enough, the end and the far future were most important to me and I knew in my heart that Code Red would give me the tools to stay healthy long term. I also didn’t have to buy crappy shakes, expensive supplements or prescription drugs. I was told to drink water, eat from a healthy food list and sleep! It’s truly that simple.

AM: Because of your success, you became a Certified Coach with CODE RED, why did you decide to work with them?

HC: I believed in the owner, Cristy Nickel and I think she saw my servant's heart and picked up on my keen ability to understand people. I learned a lot after my ski racing accident and in the years that followed. Deciding to have your leg amputated as an 18-year-old, learning to walk again, finishing high school, living in constant pain, I learned a ton about myself and the power of the human spirit. I knew how to overcome.

I knew Cristy’s no-nonsense, simple approach worked and she taught me well, so I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and to work alongside her. I also knew, this was it…my calling! I finally found it! The opportunity to help people lose weight, get them healthy and watch their lives change for the better, to them overcome, it has been a dream come true.

AM: What is the CODE RED Lifestyle model?

HC: Code Red is a rallying cry for every person who is fed up with the information overload, complicated diets, and extreme exercise programs. We focus on water, sleep and real food.

AM: We're living in strange times as we are staying at home to flatten the curve, our routines have definitely been altered and anxiety has become a result of these changes - how can we manage this?

HC: Good gracious, it has been hard, right? I think there are several things that can help folks:

* Be grateful and find Grace in the tough moments and the good ones.

* Stay on track with life via a list and a plan.

* Take a time out each day to just be. Being present when you are feeling anxious really helps.

* If you are fortunate enough to have the gift of extra time, use it wisely. Spend it with your family, learn something new, embrace it. When will we ever have extra time again?

AM: For those that are focusing on losing weight during COVID-19 quarantine, what tips do you suggest?

HC: * Drink water!

* Sleep at least 7 hours!

* Ditch the sugar!

* Plan, prep and schedule meal times. Don’t leave your kitchen open all day. Having kitchen hours keeps you from grazing all day and mindless eating.

* If you find yourself turning to food and drinks to soothe your soul, make a list of 12 things you can do instead of over indulging. Maybe you have some chores to tend too, maybe you have a craft to finish, maybe you want to learn something new. DO IT!

AM: Many have found issues in terms of ordering the food that they need whether there are shortages in their grocery stores, delays in deliveries that are coming to them, etc. How can they reduce their anxieties on not being able to control these issues while also staying on their plan?

HC: Keep things simple. Eating well isn’t complicated. You don’t have to be a kitchen whiz to make good food and you don’t have to spend a fortune either. Less is more. Look for vegetables (fresh, frozen, even canned), fats and proteins. Avoid the inner aisles of the grocery stores.

AM: From a mental wellness standpoint, what are some tips that you have for those that are looking to reduce the noise of everything that we've all gone through from updates on COVID, anxiety over when there will be concrete information about re-openings and going back to our routines etc?

HC: I talk a lot about the background noise in our lives with my clients. It comes at us from all directions. Currently, it is everywhere, all the time. No two reports are the same, it’s hard to have faith in anything. I encourage people to cleanup their newsfeeds, if watching the nightly news is depressing, STOP watching! Find something else to do with your time. Don’t buy into all the hysteria. If you can eat real food, ditch the sugar, drink water and get a good night’s rest, you will feel so much better. How you fuel your body will help you with deal with the uncertainty. I know that sounds strange, but you will have less brain fog and less anxiety. The healthier you are, the less likely you are to get sick. Taking care of yourself now, will keep you healthier no matter the situation.

IG @Code_Red_Coach_Heather

PHOTO COURTESY | Heather Centurioni

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Managing the Anxiety with Heather Centurioni in mag.

S1. E7. | BUNGALOW SK WITH SAMANTHA BUSCH

Avid readers of Athleisure Mag know that in 2018 (Issue #27), we had Ashley Busch, wife of NASCAR driver Kurt Busch as our cover. In today's episode of Bungalow SK, we chatted with her sister-in-law, Samantha Busch, wife of NASCAR driver, Kyle Busch. Samantha is known for her fashion sense, her boutique - Avant the Label, being a mom and being one of the stars of CMT's Racing Wives. We also talked about IVF and how she is helping those who are in the process of that journey as well as the importance of staying connected especially during the current times as we all do our part to #flattenthecurve and #stayathome.

Today's interview with Samantha Busch is via her partnership with Walmart Family Mobile, an affordable wireless solution for families to stay connected, organized and a step ahead during the busy racing season. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHAT DO YOUR FARTS REVEAL ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?

Fluff, cutting the cheese, breaking wind, booty belch, whoopee, and anal salute are all different ways to refer to the standard and embarrassing fart. Did you know the average person farts approximately 14 to 23 times per day? As awkward as it may be, everyone needs to release gas from their body. It is part of the digestive process and is a necessary bodily function. What do your farts (passing gas) reveal about your general health?  

What is a fart? Flatulence, also known as a fart, is something everyone experiences. It's the release of intestinal gas, which forms as a result of digesting food. Gas can be found throughout the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.

New York-Based Internist and Gastroenterologist, Dr. Niket Sonpal, explains what your flatulence is trying to tell you.

1. Do you have a balanced diet?

A balanced diet should provide the body with the proper number of vitamins and nutrients. Consuming the appropriate amount of fiber and healthy foods helps keep the digestive system working correctly. If you tend to pass gas more often than you would like, this could mean that the body is not receiving the correct nutrients. Avoiding foods that are processed and harder to digest and sticking to more natural ingredients, could decrease how often you toot. 

2. You may have a food intolerance.   

Not all food allergies can be life-threatening; however, they can still cause conflict day-to-day for some individuals. Food intolerances mainly affect the digestive system making it harder for the stomach to digest food properly. This can lead to smelly and awkward bloating, reflux, and diarrhea after a meal. For example, people with a dairy intolerance struggle to digest lactose, which results in the stomach becoming extraordinarily bloated and sends out foul smells out of the anus. 

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Constantly farting throughout the day could be a sign of a health issue such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, or, in extreme cases, colon cancer. Typically, these health issues cause extreme flatulence, odors or odd pressure on the rectum when they are about to be released. 

4. You are stressed. 

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome go hand in hand with stress. Stress and anxiety can lead to excessive swallowing of air, oxygen release, and digestion issues. These are three causes of having more gas than usual. When people are panicking or stressed, they often swallow more air than necessary, leading to bloating and pressure that needs to be released. On the other spectrum, hyperventilating allows an excess of oxygen to enter the bloodstream, which can also lead to gas problems. 

5.Pre-Menstrual Women  

That time of the month is already painful enough. There are changes in your bowel habits during this time caused by fluctuations in hormones. The shift in your hormones and bowel movements cause farting to become more frequent and smellier during this time of the month. Be mindful of accidentally passing wind while you are pre-menstrual.

6. You might have harmful gut bacteria.

Regular farting is an indicator of healthy gut bacteria and a properly working digestive system. Your body needs good bacteria in your intestine for it to remain healthy. Microbes in your gut are a positive thing because they eat up excess fiber and carbohydrates we do not use. Also, they produce beneficial bacteria. If you do not have any good bacteria, it can lead to constipation and bloating, which is unhealthy for your digestive system.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW CBD WORKS IN YOUR BODY TO ALLEVIATE PAIN

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most popular components of cannabis, hemp, or marijuana plant. This is a non-psychoactive part of the plant, hence you can be sure that when using CBD, you don't get intoxicated. Because this compound doesn’t give you that high feeling, all that's left for you to feel are the positive benefits that it can bring to your body.  

While CBD oil may seem like a new trend, it's already been in use hundreds of years ago as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat and alleviate pain. It's only recently that it's gained widespread talk and acceptance because it's already been legalized for medical, and even recreation purposes, in some states and nations.

Of the many benefits that it brings to the human body, this article focuses on pain management. This piece gives you everything you need to know about using CBD oil to alleviate pain.

What Causes Pain In The Body?

Once the body starts to manifest pain, this can generally be a symptom of a disease or a physical injury. Pain can either be internal or external. With external pain, this starts during a bout of  inflammation or any tissue injury. It can also happen temporarily after going through some external treatments of the body. Internal pain, on the other hand, can be a sign of an impending disease.

When pain starts to be experienced, the common recourse is to take pain relievers. While these are generally harmless for the short-term, in the long run, using these medications may result in dependence. Then, all the other adverse side effects of dependence on synthetic medication will also start to manifest.

This fact is precisely why those who regularly experience pain are now looking for healthier alternatives, such as CBD oil.

How Does CBD Work For Pain In The Body?

To get things straight, yes, CBD does work successfully for pain in the body. This is made possible through the components of CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for translating and receiving information from the cannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid receptors of the human body are responsible for controlling functions, such as sleep, pain, and how the immune system reacts to diseases. These receptors are also referred to as the small proteins that are attached to the surface of cells that get chemical signals from CBD.

Thanks to technology, there are many ways to take in CBD oil. You don’t have to limit yourself only to pills. There are now CBD edibles, such as gummies for pain, tinctures, and topical creams, among others.

What Kinds Of Pain Can CBD Help Manage?

The human body experiences many different types of pain. Each one has its respective symptoms that need to be treated before it’s too late. CBD oil is found to be successful in treating conditions, such as cancer pain, arthritic pain, and chronic pain, among others.

1. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis refers to an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, through the brain and the nerves. Muscle spasms, which can be painful, are a common symptom of this ailment.

2. Arthritic Pain

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints of the human body. For patients who have arthritis, excruciating pain can generally be experienced in the toes, knees, and hips. It has been found that when CBD is applied topically, it is successful not just in alleviating pain, but inflammation as well.

3. Cancer Pain

It is important to note that CBD does not cure cancer. At the moment, there's no cure yet for cancer. But, CBD oil can help cancer patients in alleviating the pain they’re feeling,  as well as the symptoms of cancer treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. As a result, the quality of life of the patients undergoing cancer treatments is improved.

4. Chronic Pain

CBD oil is also an effective treatment form for chronic pain, which refers to the bodily pain that generally lasts for around three to six months. This usually happens after the patient has recently gone through a physical injury; after healing, the pain persists.

Some of the symptoms of chronic pain include lack of energy, throbbing, depression, burning, and stiffness.

Now, you may ask, “How long does it take for CBD oil to work?”  Generally, this is dependent on the kind of CBD oil that you use, as well as the dosage and concentration. This is precisely the reason why it’s better for first-timers to try out CBD oil in the evening, when it’s easier for the body to cope with the effects.

Conclusion

From reading this article, perhaps, all your confusion about CBD oil has finally been laid to rest. But, one essential thing for you to remember is that whenever you're unsure, always seek the advice of a health or medical professional. Moreover, never go beyond the dosage that’s been set for you.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

LADDER HYDRATION

We are excited to hear about Ladder's new science-based Ladder Hydration - a performance sports drink that replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat.

From Ladder, the sports nutrition company founded by LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ladder Hydration is designed for all athletes from every sport to achieve peak performance during and after physical activity. It was created to provide a caffeine-free energy boost for the toughest workouts, help overcome fatigue and cramping, and assist the body in absorbing more nutrients so athletes can always finish strong. From pre-workout, to everyday greens and post recovery proteins, Ladder Hydration will now support athletes during and after any workout.

We caught up with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ladder’s Nutrition and Science advisor and Director of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Applied Physiology Laboratory, to learn more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Hello Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, we’re excited to hear about Ladder’s new product - Ladder Hydration. Tell us about it?

DR. ABBIE SMITH-RYAN: Ladder Hydration is a uniquely evidence-based formulated, easily portable, effective solution to help with rehydration and performance.

AM: What is your background and what are some of your roles with Ladder as Nutrition and Science advisor.

DR. ASR: I am an Associate Professor and Director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina where I develop and evaluate research related to nutrition and health. As a Nutrition and Science advisor to Ladder, I work with the team to help bring in science to product formulation, innovation, and education about how/when/why to use specific products.

AM: What is Ladder’s Refuel Ratio, how does that work?

DR. ASR: The ‘Refuel Ratio’ is a scientifically backed combination of electrolytes to maximize fluid replenishment to reduce the chance of muscle cramping, enhance performance, and amplify recovery. This relies on a unique ratio of Sodium:Potassium – this is essential for fluid replacement and minimizing muscle cramps; Calcium:Magnesium—this is essential for optimizing muscle contraction and recovery; and Potassium:Calcium – this supports an environment to reduce muscle cramps and optimal muscle performance.

AM: How does this lead to offering such a complete hydration product for the market?

DR. ASR: The other key component of Ladder Hydration is the addition of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are essential for performance and hydration—which are often overlooked in many products on the market. Carbohydrates—specifically sugar, such as dextrose during and after exercise, are key for increasing exercise performance and for rehydration—Interesting, carbohydrate ingestion during and after exercise have also been shown to bolster immunity. Ladder Hydration is also available in portable packets which can help facilitate hydration in a variety of difficult scenarios. Altogether, Ladder Hydration is one of few products on the market that includes all of the electrolytes and carbohydrates, in the ideal ratio, that are needed to maximize rehydration and performance.

AM: How does Ladder Hydration compare among the many product choices available today?

DR. ASR: As you will notice- many hydration products either are missing carbohydrate or lack enough electrolytes. Specifically, they are made/marketed to be consumed at any point throughout the day. To be effective, a hydration product should be higher in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium than our typically daily beverages. They should also taste saltier and sweeter – to help replenish micronutrients following exercise and increase the desire to drink.

AM: What are some key ingredients and what’s notably missing?

DR. ASR: One key ingredient, beyond what is mentioned above- Ladder Hydration also includes Vitamin D. The majority of individuals are deficient in Vitamin D—which has also been linked to optimal muscle contraction, performance, and immune function – the addition of Vitamin D here can further support optimal health and performance.

AM: When are good times to use this – is this great for pre-workout, recovery and/or everyday health?

DR. ASR: This product is optimal for post-exercise—after sweating. It is uniquely formulated to help replenish electrolytes and enhance recovery. Additionally, if someone is exercising for a long period of time with sweating- Ladder Hydration would be recommended during exercise.

PHOTOS COURTESY | Ladder

IG @LadderSport

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Ladder Hydration in mag.

WHAT IS EMSCULPT AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT YOU?

Physical beauty is fleeting. But, don't lie and say that you don't get bothered by people who regularly comment about how badly you need to shape up or lose weight. When this happens over and over again, it does get to you. In the long run, it can also affect your confidence and self-esteem. So, looking good isn't just about the aesthetic value of it. Much also has to do with feeling good about yourself and having that added boost of confidence.

If you've long been struggling to lose weight and shape up, naturally, dieting and going to the gym are the top two most recommended ways to do so. But, when you've already been going to the gym regularly and still feel that extra oomph to shape up, the good news is that there are already many trustworthy non-invasive procedures to put your body back into shape, one of which is Emsculpt.

What is it and what are its benefits? Read through below to find out more.

What’s Emsculpt?

Emsculpt refers to a new device that helps with body contouring. It's the only machine approved by the FDA to burn fat and muscle mass.

If you're not confident enough to undergo surgery to remove your fat and lift your buttocks, then this is for you. Since it’s non-invasive, this means that you don't need to go under the knife for this procedure.

What does Emsculpt do? It contracts the muscles of your body, which is beyond what physical training can do. Hence, in addition to enhanced fat metabolism, the result is that your body is going to look more toned.

What Areas Can Be Treated With Emsculpt?

Now, you may also ask what areas can be treated with Emsculpt? The FDA clears it for the buttocks and the abdomen. But, as mentioned above, Emsculpt also tones your muscles and increases the metabolism of fat. Hence, other body parts can benefit from this, too.

These body parts include the following:

●      Thighs

●      Abdomen

●      Buttocks

●      Triceps

What Are The Benefits Of Emsculpt?

1.         No Surgery Needed To See Results

Finally, because of Emsculpt, there’s now a non-invasive and permanent way for you to lose all those unwanted fats! If you're not comfortable with a surgical procedure for losing fat and shaping your body, then you should definitely consider this procedure. Now, you finally don't have to worry about having an incision.

How is this possible? During each procedure, two paddles are attached to your body. These paddles emit electromagnetic energy that forces your muscles to contract. With this, all the stubborn fat in your body is eliminated.

2.         Immediate Results Are Visible

Right after every treatment, it's possible that you're going to see immediate results. For ideal results, however, you'll need to complete at least the four sessions. It's a treatment that you're guaranteed results, so your money doesn't go to waste.

3.         Quick And Efficient

If you're a busy individual, then this suits your schedule, too. Unlike other treatments, you don't have to stay in your doctor's clinic the entire day. Each session is only at thirty minutes, so it's quick and efficient.

Because it's that quick, you can even squeeze it during your lunch or work break, especially if the clinic is just nearby.

4.         No Down Time

With Emsculpt, you'll also feel no downtime. By this, it means that right after every session, you wouldn't even have to go home and rest. You can go about the tasks that you have to accomplish for the day.

There are also no side effects to the procedure, save only for a little soreness, as you would after an intense gym workout.

Hence, you don't have to worry that the treatment will affect the ordinary course of your everyday life.

How Many Treatments Are Needed To Achieve Desired Results?

Each Emsculpt session runs for around thirty minutes, generally at least twice a week. For a patient to achieve desired results, an average of four sessions is needed per area.

If you wish to maintain the results, however, you can come back for one treatment once every three to six months, coupled with a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

With these benefits, you can see that Emsculpt is there to help you out, and many others that have been struggling with their body image. It's more than just a vanity thing. It's about having that new and better version of you that you're confident about.

If you've long been skeptical about it, these benefits should provide you that ab filled midsection that you've long been dreaming of.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

TOP 5 THE FACE SHOP BEAUTY PRODUCTS SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women should always be careful choosing beauty products because the skin can absorb harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the unborn baby. If you're going through a pregnancy, you need to buy skincare products that are appropriate for the changes that your body undergoes.

You may notice dryness and swelling in some areas of your face, and those are normal. The best thing you can do under those circumstances is to change the way you take care of your skin.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes several skin changes because of shifts in blood flow and maternal hormones like estrogen and progesterone. You can observe pigmentation changes around the nipples, the inner thighs, the neck, and the genitals. These parts might darken due to hormonal changes.

While most of these skin changes are reasonable, you can control excessive signs and symptoms brought about by stress, pollution, temperature changes, and hormonal changes, such as too dry or too oily skin using natural skincare products.

Products Safe for Pregnant Women

The Face Shop is one of the leading Korean brands that offer pregnant-friendly skincare products with natural ingredients like this beauty product. What are the best beauty products sold by the company? And what makes these products highly beneficial for pregnant women? Let's find out!

Here are the top natural beauty products you can try today from the leading Korean beauty brand:

1. My Plant Hand Cream

Your hand could get dry and uncomfortable. Some pregnant women even have carpal tunnel syndrome, and the wrists could get awkward. You should try this hand cream recommended for pregnant women while you massage them gently to avoid issues.

This cactus-shaped plant-based hand cream is naturally-enriched with the moisture-sealing agave atrovirens extract, providing long-lasting moisture. You'll love the cute cactus-shaped packaging and the cucumber-like scent that can refresh your senses.

2. Jeju Volcanic Lava Peel-Off Clay Mask

Pregnant women usually experience excessively oily or dry skin as well as skin breakouts, most notably on the nose area due to hormonal changes. This volcanic lava from Jenu Island peel-off clay mask from The Face Shop uses volcanic ash combined with other Jeju Island sourced natural ingredients, which are very safe during pregnancy.

This product purifies the pores and absorbs excess sebum. It's a mask that allows you to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell rejuvenation. Use this product twice a week if you feel that your face is too oily, and only once a week if it's flaky.

3. Calendula Essential Moisture Eye Cream

The undereye areas are some of the most vulnerable parts of the face. During your pregnancy, you could be prone to dark circles and puffiness, so it's essential to use eye cream every night. The cream can help reduce wrinkles and eyebags.

The Calendula Essential Moisture Eye Cream is a natural eye cream made with calendula, cornflower, chamomile, rooibos, sage, lily, and borage extracts that soothe and revitalize the delicate eye area. Pregnant women won't feel uncomfortable because this eye cream doesn't leave a sticky and cumbersome feel.

4. Power Perfection BB Cream

Pregnant women usually experience uneven skin because of maternal hormone changes. Often, regardless of how well you've taken care of your skin, there are blemishes and dark spots. The simple solution is to use a blemish balm or BB cream underneath your cosmetics.

The Power Perfection BB cream helps even skin tone. Also, it moisturizes and brightens the skin as well as reduce wrinkles and protect the skin against ultraviolet rays with SPF37. This cream helps your skin look bright and fresh.

5. Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

A makeup remover or oil cleanser is essential to any beauty routine. It's the first step to any skincare routine. This rice water cleansing oil cleans the face in a gentle way that pregnant women needs. It removes makeup and skin impurities, which leaves the skin fresh, soft, and clean. If you're an expectant mom who wears heavy makeup, this rice water cleanser helps cleanse and remove makeup. It will leave your skin feeling soft without the sticky feel.

Conclusion

Pregnant women have unique skincare needs because of hormonal changes, physical stress, extra weight, and dietary changes. That's why as much as possible, fewer chemicals should be used. Natural skin care products from The Face Shop made of natural ingredients. These products are gentle on the skin because the products don’t contain harsh chemicals.

FILLED CBD DATE NIGHT? WE'VE GOT THE RECIPE RIGHT HERE

Filled CBD Date Night? We’ve Got The Recipe Right Here

With the ever growing popularity of CBD, it’s no surprise that CBD manufacturers have come up with a variety of products that lend themselves to different aspects of our modern lifestyle. Different combinations of CBD products can not only provide benefits for specific ailments, but they can also enhance a variety of situations, including date nights. With so many products, it can be hard to know which companies to trust, so we’ve sorted through and found the safest CBD capsules anywhere, as well as a variety of CBD products to help kick start the romance.

Dates often consist of a meal and an activity. Sometimes this means dinner and a movie, sometimes lunch and a hike, but it is usually a combination of the two. This stage of the dating process is absolutely crucial. If you choose an activity that your partner totally hates, then you might be sunk. Occasionally a good meal can patch things up, but what if you ate before the activity? What if you took your date out and had a great time rock climbing, but then suggested a restaurant that more than misses the mark. For some reason the latter of the situations seems like the easiest to recover from. 

The point being that this point in the courting process can make or break the romance between two people. Throwing CBD into the mix can not only spice up a potentially boring situation, but it might just help you relax enough to really be yourself. The lovely person your friends and family know, not the person who is thrown off by the stress or pressure caused by a new love interest. CBD can be your best friend in these situations because it can be incorporated into the food and it can be an activity when shared between two potential lovebirds.

Passion 

With so many people dating at such a rapid pace due to the fact that the modern dating scene is pretty much dominated by rapid-fire dating applications. People are presented with more opportunity for dates or hook-ups than ever before. You simply download an application from whatever app store you use, upload some photos of yourself looking sexy or doing cool things like paragliding, then you build your profile and talk about how you love long walks on the beach and paragliding. Once you have your enticing photos uploaded, and your biography written, then it’s time to start looking for dates. Oftentimes on these dating applications you are fed thousands of photos of potential mates to sort through. When you see someone you think is attractive, then you can usually message them and ask if they would be interested in meeting up at some point.

Once you have found a potential soulmate, then you must prepare to meet. Your mating dance must be on point if you are to beat out all the other little birdies. You need to be colorful and interesting or the love of your life might slip from your fingers. You don’t want to be left wondering who, in the sea of fish who swam out of your life, could have been the one. You need to be the founder of their dreams and swim circles around their cold damaged heart until it thaws and melds back together from the warm glue that is your love.

The endless sea of potential lovers is a daunting one to sail. You must be willing to sway and capsize, time after time swimming to the edge of your little boat heart and finding a way to get it upright again. You must bask in the blissful sunshine of the good days, and suffer the mighty storms on the bad. Love. It is a river. And your best shot of catching the fish of your dreams is to enchant them with your charm, intelligence, humor, humanity and most importantly, your date planning abilities. For without the aforementioned date planning abilities, you will never have the chance to display your humanity. Your charm will go half noticed, and your intelligence will be in question at best. You will be viewed as a dull colorless plankton who does not dance circles around the heart as the almighty flounder can. You might lose the one chance you have at true love and happiness.

So instead of living your life a lonely plankton in a sea of dancing flounders, follow this simple CBD date night formula to win your target's heart. It is of the utmost importance that you make your own personal twist to this recipe. We can provide you with a nice little tool set, but without your own creative input, this recipe will remain just a recipe. Your creative twists will bring the recipe and your date to life, and you might just turn out to be a dancing fish.

First we recommend taking your date to a nice dinner. Ask mutual friends for recommendations of places your date might like. Have two CBD capsules ready when you pick your date up. When the two of you arrive at the restaurant, ask for two glasses of water, and then ask your date if they would like some CBD drink mix added to their water. This will excite and entice them. When the bread arrives mix some CBD oil into the olive oil and enjoy! Once you have finished your meal, ask your date if they'd like some CBD gummies for desert. They are sure to crack a smile one way or the other. After enjoying some gummies, you can ask if they would like to go back to your place for a massage using CBD lotion. If you follow these simple steps, and mix in your own bit of flare, then you are sure to have a great time. Show your date that you are fun, and if the two of you share a love of CBD, then you might just get that second date.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

5 WAYS COLLAGEN PROTEIN CAN BOOST YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Collagen is essential to general health and wellness. Collagen, which is considered a structural protein, is found in the body’s connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Blood vessels and digestive tract organs also have an abundance of collagen.

Considering its uses all across the body, it’s no wonder many people use collagen supplements to help maintain their overall health. While the body naturally produces collagen on its own, production slows with age, starting when you hit your mid-twenties. Also, lifestyle habits such as smoking and having a high-sugar diet can lower collagen levels in the body.

Collagen Explained

To understand the importance of collagen, you can think of it like a glue that holds the body together. Scientists have identified 28 types of collagen that each have different molecular structures. However, the first three types are most important:

●      Type 1 – Makes up the majority of collagen in the body, primarily found in bones, tendons, cartilage, skin, and teeth.

●      Type 2 – Composed of loosely packed fibers and thus found in tissues like elastic cartilage.

●      Type 3 – Provides structure to arteries, organs, and muscles.

5 Health Benefits of Collagen Protein

Now that you know what collagen is and wherein the body it’s found, you may be wondering what the concrete health benefits of collagen protein are. If you’re thinking about adding more collagen to your diet or taking is as a supplement, consider the following possible benefits and talk to your doctor about proper usage.

1. Better Skin, Hair, and Nails – As you age, you’ll likely start to see wrinkles form and notice drier, sagging skin. This results from the body’s slowed production of collagen. Studies show that both short-term and long-term collagen use can help hydrate your skin and maintain its elasticity. Collagen also promotes hair and nail growth and strength.

2. Stronger Bones and Joints – If your bones and joints give you grief, increasing your collagen intake can offer relief. Because collagen intake can help accumulate cartilage, it has shown promise for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. Collagen also helps increase bone density, making collagen supplementation a great way to help treat osteoporosis.

3. Heart Health – Studies suggest that collagen helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Type 1 and Type 2 collagen significantly contribute to the strength and elasticity of arterial walls.

4. Digestive Health – The villi that line your intestinal wall are largely made of collagen. Collagen provides the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild the intestinal wall. Also, glycine, the main amino acid in collagen, can help treat inflammatory diseases.

5. Brain Benefits – While more studies need to be conducted, research has shown that collagen may help slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by protecting the brain from amyloid-beta proteins. This kind of amino acid has been found to attack neurons in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Incorporate Collagen Into Your Daily Routine

The benefits of increasing collagen in your body are numerous, and so are the many different ways you can add supplemental collagen intake to your everyday life. You can consume collagen as a powder that easily mixes with the food and drinks you already consume. Or, you can alter your diet to include more collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken, and egg whites. However you decide to add collagen use to your daily routine, you’ll likely start to see great improvements to your overall health.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | STUDS

A number of 80's and 90's babies are familiar with what was involved in getting their ears pierced whether it was the mall, it seemed like a communal affair and not an experience that makes you feel like proper attention is being paid to it.

At STUDS in Soho, they allow their guests to enjoy the experience of getting their ears pierced. STUDS is focused on the EarScape - the combined art + science of decorating one’s ear with personalized piercings + earrings, resulting in a form of extreme self-expression.

Whether you have an appointment (there is an appointment window that you can book one within) or opt to walk in, STUDS encourages people to come in, browse and decide the style that they will get.

The process begins with a consultation to decide how many piercings you will get and whereas they have a chart showing a number of places along the ear that you can have. Upon deciding on what you will get, your ears will have a trained professionals that don't uses a needle and not an ear gun. In addition, this service will be conducted in a private room!

Just this process alone makes us wonder how we endured those mall days of getting our ears pierced. This studio focuses on ears and has a number of piercings from hoops, studs and more. In addition, pricing is straight forward with the cost being a flat rate that includes the number of piercings and the jewelry to avoid surprises!

It's worth noting that the jewelry offered at STUDS offers implant-grade metals: surgical steel, titanium, or 14k gold. All of their piercing jewelry is hypoallergenic, as is some of their non-piercing jewelry (any sterling silver options). For those with a nickel allergy, you’ll want to choose titanium or 14k gold pieces.

STUDS NOLITA

12 Prince St NY, NY 10012

www.studs.com

IG @Studs

Read the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Studs in mag.

CBD 101: HOW TO TAKE THE RIGHT DOSAGE FOR EVERY USE

CBD or Cannabidiol is one type of cannabinoid that you’ll find in Cannabis plants. It’s a natural compound that interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid biological system. The endocannabinoid system or ECS regulates various physiological and cognitive processes such as pain-sensation, appetite, sleep, and mood. The ECS functions to promote equilibrium in the body or homeostasis. CBD and other cannabinoids help with regulation and homeostasis when they get introduced into the body. They assist in alleviating pain, improving sleep quality, increasing appetite, and reducing stress.

A significant result between the interaction of CBD and the endocannabinoid system is the easing of symptoms associated with conditions like HIV, cancer, chronic pain, mood disorders, stress, anxiety, nausea, epilepsy, and sleep disorders like insomnia.

How Much Is Too Much?

Well, you’ve probably already heard about the benefits of taking Cannabidiol products. Websites like https://cheefbotanicals.com have CBD products that use only pure, wholesome ingredients. But how much should you really take to feel those? Is there a correct CBD dosage? The short answer to that question is no. Yes, you heard it right, there’s no correct or perfect dosage for taking CBD. The optimal dose depends on several factors like the consumer’s body type, his/her Cannabidiol tolerance, as well as the level of discomfort or pain. Other essential considerations include the kind and concentration of CBD products since each can interact with the body differently.

In this post, you’ll learn how to take the right dosage for every use of CBD.

The Factors To Consider When Figuring Out The Right Amount Of CBD For You

The amount of Cannabidiol you should take mainly depends on several factors, including the CBD concentration in each gummy snack, drop, capsule, or pill, your body chemistry, the condition you’re going to treat, and your body weight. Below is a closer look at these essential dosage considerations:

1. Concentration

Strength or concentration refers to the amount of Cannabidiol in a given product. Concentration usually gets measured in milligrams (mg). It’s different from dosage, which is what indicates the CBD amount per serving. Say, for example, one CBD tincture bottle has a concentration of 1500 milligrams and contains thirty milliliters of a tincture, with one milliliter as the standard serving size. What that means is that each 1-milliliter serving will hold an approximate amount of 50 milligrams of Cannabidiol. It doesn’t mean that the consumer is going to ingest 1500 milligrams with each dosage.

2. Tolerance

Cannabidiol consumers tend to develop tolerance over time, and it will result in reduced effects even from the same dosage. What it means is that there will be a need for higher subsequent doses to continue achieving the desired results.

3. Desired Effects

More often than not, the optimal CBD dose comes down to the pain or discomfort level a person experiences. Those who suffer from severe anxiety or chronic pain may require a higher dose when alleviating their symptoms. An individual with a milder condition, on the other hand, may opt for a lower dose with less noticeable effects.

4. Body Weight

How little or how much Cannabidiol affects the body also depends on the weight of a person. Generally, higher doses suit heavier people in terms of experiencing the calming effects of Cannabidiol. A lower dose, on the other hand, should give the same effect to lighter individuals.

Calculating The Dosage

Some CBD products tell you how much Cannabidiol is present in one serving. This is true for products like pills, capsules, and CBD gummies, among others. A bottle of CBD capsules may have a packaging that indicates that there are five milligrams of CBD per capsule.

If you’re going to use CBD oil, it most likely will come in a dropper bottle. The bottle’s packaging might specify the amount of Cannabidiol present in one drop. You can start figuring out how many drops you’ll need from there. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to figure out how much Cannabidiol is present in a single drop since the packaging specifies what’s the total amount of CBD that the entire bottle contains.

A single drop is around 0.05 mL. That’s for one drop, not the full dropper. What that means is that a 10-milliliter bottle of Cannabidiol oil, for example, contains 200 drops. Of course, if the packaging says that the bottle has 1000 milligrams of CBD, then each drop should hold about 5 milligrams of the compound. That said, to receive 20 milligrams of that particular type of CBD oil, an individual should take four drops.

Final Thoughts

When deciding for the amount of CBD to take, one should consider many variables like the ones mentioned and discussed in this post. If you’re not sure how to go about it, talk to a trusted physician to get advice on the appropriate dosage and the potential risks that come with it. Of course, stick to whatever recommendation the doctor gives.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

MANAGING HEALTH AND WELLNESS DURING THE HOLDAYS

We’re still in the midst of the holiday season even though a number of the holiday have passed us. With New Years Eve, New Years Day and additional holidays that incorporate gift exchanges and other festivities, we sat down with Terra Wellington to find out how we can optimize this time so that we can still be good to our physical bodies as well as enjoying being with our friends, family and colleagues!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is it about the holiday season that puts us at risk, in your opinion, from being focused on our health and even over doing things when we’re just trying to have a good time and trying to get into the holiday spirit?

TERRA WELLINGTON: Well yes, I’m here on behalf of iHerb.com and yes we can get stressed, we can lose our energy and also become susceptible to the cold and flu. So I have two prevention tips for that. One is to make sure that you wash your hands on a regular basis and not touch your face. Those two things will really helped with reducing the transmission of germs and also reduce your stress. This will help to boost your immunity and one thing that you can do to make that happen is to make sure that you’re hydrated. If you’re hydrated, that will help you flush those toxins out of your body.

AM: That’s good to know. A lot of our readers debate whether we should wash our hands or is it ok to use the different types of antibacterial products? Are they both ok or is one better than the other?

TW: There is a lot of controversy on those hand sanitizers, let’s say. Just be careful with reading those labels and make sure that you’re teaching your children that they are washing their hands correctly. I’d say that they should be doing it 20 seconds for all surfaces of your hands.

Of course, keeping up your energy is a big thing this time of year and reducing your sugar content is really important. It’s tough as there is a lot of sugar out there this time of year. From the time that you eat that holiday sugar, you will get a tiny spike of energy – but then you get that crash.

So one of the things that you can do according to the studies at the National Institute of Health is that you can look to apple cider vinegar to help you with this. It looks to control that blood sugar and to maintain your energy. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like really drinking apple cider vinegar! But Gummiology has apple cider vinegar gummies and it’s a lot more tasty!

AM: We have to admit that drinking apple cider vinegar straight is not something we enjoy doing so having that as an alternative is good to know. Are there certain nutrients that can assist us in naturally boost our immunity?

TW: According to the Mayo Clinic and other studies, Vitamin D can help to boost our immunity which can be very helpful. You can go outside directly into the sunshine and that can help your body to produce its own Vitamin D. Of course, during the wintertime it may be a bit more difficult because of the shorter days. So Vitamin D supplements can help with that. I suggest Lake Avenue Nutrition Vitamin D3 – it’s available at iHerb.com. I like how this trusted retail site is really great with helping you research the kinds of products that you want, they’re transparent with the products that they have with their labeling and they keep track with the best buy and expiration dates. It’s just like if you went to a traditional store if you were going there to see what the products were about.

AM: That’s good to know. Do you have any tips on how we can make sure that we are not overindulging as it’s so tough with so many events going on!

TW: Yes! There are so many temptations and I feel for everybody on that! Three tips on that:

• When you do go to that holiday party, try to stick to water if you can. The high-calorie drinks and the alcohol will really add to that overindulgence.

• Keep up with your exercise. 15 minutes a day off of your fitness app is a great way to start.

• When you do go to those holiday parties, beforehand try to eat a healthy snack which will take the edge off. You can try carrots and nuts or bananas and yogurt.

For those who are adults, if you have overindulged, you can try probiotics to help you. According to research, at the Medical University of Warsaw that probiotics can help the digestion and can move things along. I suggest the California Gold Nutrition LactoBif 100 Probiotics that has 8 active and clinical probiotic strains. A tip for probiotics is to check the expiration dates which is something that iHerb does really well. They closely monitor those best buy and expiration dates. They also have air-conditioned warehouses to keep the products fresh and to maintain high-quality standards.

AM: This is year-round, but during this time of year with increased activities, how important is it to get good sleep for your health?

TW: It can reduce your stress and increase your energy which are two great benefits to being mindful of this. A quick tip is to wind down each evening which means that you should turn down the lights and turn off all of your electronics. Maybe you should do some yoga and meditation – or you can read a book. There is a wellness trend that you can use essential oils for relaxation. An example of an oil, is NOW Peppermint Essential Oil. You can research which essential oil works best for you and you can search and find which ones are best on iHerb.com. They’re focused on quality and they make it easy to order and find products. They have state of the art distribution facilities that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified and all of that means that they are going to maintain the product quality!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

BACK TO THE HILLS WITH WHITNEY PORT

This summer, many of us enjoyed seeing The Hills: New Beginnings which brought back our favorite reality stars from The Hills as well as new castmembers to continue this MTV classic. One of our faves that we have interviewed previously on Athleisure Mag is back on the show, Whitney Port. We wanted to know more about her decision to bring her personal life back to the screen, projects she's working on and how she continues to lead a normal and full life even when a migraine hits!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Like many, we were glad to see you in the reboot of MTV The Hills Beginnings. We were fans of the original and loved you on this current season. What was it like for you to come back and what was your decision to do so?

WHITNEY PORT: I honestly wasn’t so sure about it at first. I was nervous to come back and to put my life and everything going on with my family back on TV. Then I just thought, it sounds fun, I’m in a good place with everybody and why not reconnect and give people something that’s nostalgic and something that they enjoyed watching. I do think that I had some nervousness about not knowing what people were going to be like or to start – you never know with Reality TV people. Are they just going to start drama out of nowhere? You have to be nervous and you have to have your guard up a little bit. But ultimately, I felt that the show was a huge part of my life and that it was a platform that allowed me to do everything that I do now so I thought, “why not?”

AM: Well it was so fun to see you again and are there other projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?

WP: Yes for sure! Today, I’m talking about Excedrin Migraine – not that it’s a project, but this condition is something that I have suffered with for quite awhile. I feel that it’s my duty to talk about Excedrin because it’s the one thing that I can do to make them go away so that I can be present and can take care of all the things that I want to do and am passionate about, you know? It can be hard, especially as a mom, when you’re hit by one. Recording my podcast or my collection with Rent the Runway coming out in April – so there all these exciting things that I want to do that are dreams, goals and passions and keeping myself healthy and that I’m migraine free is really important to me.

AM: There are a lot of people that suffer with them. Do you have certain kinds of triggers that kick in with you that you know that it’s going to happen? What makes a migraine so different then a regular headache?

WP: I mean a migraine is all consuming. I start to not be able to see straight, I get sweaty palms, a lack of energy, I just get a pounding pain in my head and when these things start to happen – I know it’s coming. If I can drink a full glass of water, take my Excedrin and get a little protein in me those are usually the things that help them to go away before it gets to a place where I just can’t handle it.

AM: Why did you decide to partner with Excedrin and why is it so good for migraine conditions?

WP: I decided to partner because it’s what I was taking. I talk about my migraine issues on my podcast and on my social. I would talk about Excedrin and that it was something that helped. Naturally, they reached out and said that they wanted to work together because they saw that it was something that was a part of my life in a big way. In terms of what is in it – I’m not a doctor. But I know that what is in there with its ingredients that when it comes together it’s combined strength allows me to function!

AM: In terms of your partnership with Excedrin, what does your partnership look like with them whether they are things on your social, events etc?

WP: You can read my blog post on WhitneyPort.com to find out how I use it and how other people should use it as well.

AM: As someone who is so busy, as a mom, wife, entrepreneur and Reality Star, what are 3 things that you like to do to take time for yourself?

WP: A couple of things I do for myself are: I take a hot yoga class. It changes my whole mood and it’s an hour to myself where I am sweating out so much – I’m energized and I’m ready to get back to the grind on my career as well as being a mom! I am a huge proponent of massages! I know that they are a luxury, but I use the App Soothe which comes to your house. Once I put Sonny down for the night, I will order a massage and it’s pretty affordable and I don’t have to leave the house and can do it while Sonny is sleeping. You can tell the therapist that you have a migraine issue and they can work on certain areas to help like around the jaw, head or neck. Then, another thing is just trying my best to fill my body with things that are going to be good fuel for it instead of just empty calories. I drink these really good smoothies from Kreation that have turmeric, Kreation Juice, coconut and all of these good anti-inflammatory type things. I try not to eat a lot of processed sugar and I try to have a healthy dose of greens everyday and definitely meat, protein etc. My husband in the morning before my yoga will scramble me 2 eggs with a little grated cheddar in there for some extra protein. I think that physical activity, something luxurious and feeding your body with good stuff will set you up for success. Also taking time to just listen to good music and taking some deep breaths can make a big difference. A lot of us have a commute whether it’s in cars or buses – putting in my earpods, listening to some calming music and taking some deep breaths can really ground me and put me back into a present mind space.

IG @WhitneyPort

Read the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Back to the Hills with Whitney Port in mag.

KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER PRATT TALKS PETS AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With the holiday schedule in full swing, we have been juggling events, getting the perfect gifts, taking some me time and more. We pretty much have everything thought out. But are we thinking about our pets? How are we ensuring that our four-legged friends are being taken care of when we travel, when we have more people over and how we incorporate them into our holiday cards? We chatted with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt to get her advice on how she would go about this!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about pet adoption and why that is so important to you?

KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER PRATT: Pet adoption is an incredible gift in my life and has been such a treasure in my life to be able to have rescued my dog Maverick. I was introduced to that world after I graduated from college and I decided to foster some puppies. I had never done that before and my sister and I decided to do that around the holiday in order to help a local rescue organization to take care of some dogs over the holiday season. It was such an incredible experience for me and when I got my final foster puppy, which was Maverick. I had a foster failure as they call it and decided to rescue him and made the decision to adopt him. It’s been such a blessing in my life to be introduced to others as well as the incredible world of animal rescue is a cause that I am really passionate about and feel really lucky to be involved in.

AM: Do you have any advice for pet parents that will be away from home for the holiday season or who will have a lot of people over with their pets there as well? Are there things that they should look out for?

KSP: For sure the comfort and well being of your pet is something to be aware of. Be mindful of the holiday season. A lot of people have others that come to their house and you want to make sure that you have a space where your dog feels comfortable and safe is super important. When you are traveling, be willing to have someone that is trusted and that you know that they will take really good care of your dog. This is also really important. I remember the first time that I was going out of town and I had to leave Maverick, it was really stressful for me. To be able to have someone that you feel really comfortable with and that your dog Is really comfortable with is really important – especially during the holiday season.

AM: What are some gifts or ideas that we should keep in mind when it comes to gifting our pets or giving to someone who has one?

KSP: The amount of outfits that I have my eye on from Petco this holiday season is pretty embarrassing. I love the matching pajamas because I can do a full photoshoot with Maverick under the Christmas Tree. My sister and I have done it ever since our very first Christmas with Maverick. I’m really excited about all of these holiday sweaters that are at Petco. The matching pajamas are going to be something that I think are going to be a huge hit this holiday season. Obviously, they also have these incredible plush toys and treats. There’s a huge wide range of gifts at Petco – but I’m all about that pajama set.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

RIDING IN STYLE: HOW TO CHOOSE WHICH HOVERBOARD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Since its on-screen debut in Back to the Future II, there is no denying the rise in popularity of hoverboards. In fact, over 40,000 hoverboards were entering the United States every day in 2015. Despite all the gadgets and technology that came out recently, hoverboards made the list of top gadgets that defined the decade according to The Verge. Celebrities like Jamie Fox, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj started riding these boards and soon enough, their fans followed. But with all the options out there, is it important to figure out what you want from your hoverboard and how to narrow down your decisions. Here’s how to choose which hoverboard is right for you. 

Rough Terrain Versus Smooth Terrain

Where you plan to use your hoverboard is a major factor in deciding which model to get. While the more popular options are used indoors or on paved roads, buyers are growing an interest in hoverboards designed for rough terrains. Since the off-road models need to be tougher, they are made heavier to  meet the hoverboard safety regulations. So, if you’re a beginner, consider the standard hoverboard that works great on smooth terrains. However, if you’re more experienced in riding, off-road boards have larger batteries and riding time than their standard counterparts. 

Battery Life And Charge Time

Knowing the battery life and recharge times is vital when considering the activities you plan on doing with your board. After all, nobody wants to run out of juice mid-tour. Knowing how long it takes for the batteries to charge can help you plan your activities to maximize your time while waiting. So, if you plan on using it to commute to work or simply ride around the neighborhood, choose a board with a long battery life. 

Accessories And Extra Features

Some of the latest models now offer a wide variety of features that include Bluetooth speakers and GPS. The GPS is used for tracking stolen boards while the built-in speakers allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes while you ride. There are even models with remote car keys that will turn on/off the device as desired. However, it is important to keep in mind that these features will increase the overall cost of the hoverboard. 

With so many versions becoming available on the market, there are several companies in the race to produce the ultimate board that will take on all terrains. Not to mention, there is strong evidence that the real hoverboards will soon flood into the market and give every rider a chance to literally hover above the ground.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BEST HOBBIES FOR A NEUROLOGICAL WORKOUT

The concept of brain training has been around for a number of years. While we can lift weights or run marathons to train our bodies, people are more often than not neglecting their minds. Instead, you should have at least one hobby which is going to give you a brain work out too. Here are some of the best hobbies we could think of.

Games

Playing games can be great for your brain! Whether you are sitting down to play a popular board game with your closest friends or you are just logging on to play something online, you can experience the full benefits of games. They teach you to strategize, they teach you to be creative, and they allow you to relax and have fun!

Why not seeing what an online casino has to offer? Table games like blackjack and poker have lots of strategy which really requires you to think carefully about your moves. Playing them online might be more convenient than trying to head to your local casino. If even this does not appeal to you, you could try a tabletop roleplaying game to really push your creativity.

Puzzles

Everyone loves trying to work out a puzzle. They can also be one of the best ways to work out your brain! For a quick and easy fix, download a puzzle app for your smartphone. Whether it is an anagram game, sudoku, or just a good old-fashioned crossword, you really can’t go wrong with a puzzle.

If you want to take your deduction skills to the next level, grab some friends and head to an escape room. There are escape room companies popping up everywhere. Themed around everything from a jail cell to a wizard’s study, they are filled with puzzles to help you escape. This would make a cute date if you can find a puzzle for just two people but you can find rooms which take you and all your closest friends for a real challenge!

Instruments

It has been proven time and time again that playing an instrument has some amazing benefits for your mind and coordination. Learn to read sheet music and it is very akin to learning a new language. You then have to learn exceptional coordination to be able to handle an instrument.

Dedication is also one of the most important parts of learning an instrument. You need to sit down for a scheduled time each week to practice. This sort of dedication can be difficult but it can teach you a lot about yourself.

If your body is in top shape, there is no reason why you cannot train your mind to be the same. Pick a hobby which you love or try something new to kick off a new year. You might get more enjoyment than you could ever imagine out of training your mind. With the right hobby behind you, you might be improving yourself without even thinking about it. Whether you are on this journey alone or with friends, it will hopefully be a lot of fun.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHY WRITING IS GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

People write for several different reasons. To some, they write because they need to express themselves, as well as share their thoughts with others. Meanwhile, to others, they write because the art of creating, writing, and documenting their ideas please them, and a lot more.

Whatever the reason may be for taking the pen or placing the fingers to the keyboard, research reveals that writing offers a lot of benefits in our mental health. So, to know more about this effect, here are some of the many connections between writing and mental health.

Understanding Excellent Mental Health

Your mental health affects the way you think, behave, and feel in daily life. Also, it influences your capacity to cope with pressure, build relationships, overcome challenges, and recover from different hardships and setbacks in life.

Strong mental well-being is not merely the absence of any mental health problems. Being emotionally or mentally sound is way more than being free of anxiety, depression, stress, or other emotional concerns.

Instead of mental problems, strong psychological health attributes to the presence of excellent and positive characteristics. So, in what ways can writing help us mentally and physically? Here is how.

Writing Can Help Organize Your Thoughts

Journaling or writing provides an opportunity to establish the thoughts and feelings you have in one place, which might help you to build connections or make more sense of a particularly disorganized situation, day, or set of emotions. Also, writing things might help you more efficiently determine and create solutions and improve your problem-solving skills.

Writing Can Help You Overcome Tough Memories

If you are holding onto difficult or traumatic memories that remain to cause you sadness, journaling, or writing can aid you to begin to act through them by delivering emotions in a writing app and involving both of the brain's hemispheres.

Writing Can Boost Your Mood

Those people who practice journaling and effective writing often report reduced negativity and elevated moods. This effect is because writing offers you a channel to release your emotions and work through unfavorable moods and feelings constructively.

In particular, expressive writing or the action of writing down emotions and feelings resulted in reduced stress levels and enhanced well-being.

Writing concerning the feelings you endure and strive to determine as to why you have such, can considerably help in dealing with the agony and accepting the results experienced.

Writing Can Help You Learn Emotional Intelligence

Painful emotions can eventually lead to depression, but writing can help you overcome extreme sadness by exercising your emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a skill that we can learn, and making writing as a habit is one of the most effective means to exercise it. You can use it in the very same manner as mindfulness; when you describe a specific happening or thing that you see at the moment or replacing a past negative emotion with a new one.

Writing Can Improve Self-Awareness

Journaling or writing can be a useful approach to enhance your self-awareness, and therefore, can improve your understanding of why and how you may respond to a situation in a particular way.

By cultivating a bigger level of awareness, then you will be capable of understanding your emotions, which can stop yourself from responding negatively.

To Conclude

Many people are not aware of the benefits of writing, and that is why some are having a hard time dealing with hardships in life because they do not have a channel to express their emotions.

Writing is food for your mind. When you feel emotionally and mentally drained, writing the things that trouble you can help you organize your thoughts, and promote a peaceful mind.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND MONEY

Maintaining your health is very important if you want to live a long and prosperous life. However, you need to do more than eat well, exercise, and get a full night of sleep. You need to consider your finances. When people are worried about money, they lose sleep, increase their stress levels, and their health deteriorates. Use the tips below to ensure that you can remain physically and financially healthy.

Consider Your Overall Budget

Your financial health starts with a budget. When you are creating a budget, you can see how much money you make, how much you have spent, and how much is left over. You might want to begin removing items from your budget that you believe are not necessary, and you can trim parts of your budget that are too high.

You may want to cook at home more often. You can take fitness courses on the TV instead of joining a gym. You can swim at a public pool or run in a public park instead of using the treadmill at the gym. You might cut your streaming services down to just one, and you can find a cheaper cable service.

You can reduce your grocery budget by cooking many of the processed foods you once bought in packages. Plus, you might want to start searching for cheaper fuel for your car. Use the map app on your phone to find the most efficient route, and ensure that you have followed along with your budget as you manage your lifestyle each month.

Start Saving

You can start saving money if you have some left over at the end of the month. When you are saving money every month, you will have some cash to fall back on. You might save money for a specific purchase, or you could save money because you want to get a dividend at the end go the year.

You can open an account with your bank, or you could use a savings app. The savings app will round up all your purchases, and that money will be deposited in an account associated with the app.

Invest Your Money

You might begin to invest your savings in different accounts that were created by your broker or financial advisor. Hiring a broker or financial advisor helps you a lot, or you could meet with someone in your local bank branch who will help you. As you begin to invest, you will see your nest egg grow over time.

When you are investing, you should try to diversify your investments as much as possible. When you do this, you can protect your savings. You need to remember that most people who are investing are trying to invest for retirement. However, you might invest your money because you want to make a large purchase in the future. Investing helps you retire, and you can use these investments in the event of an emergency.

Plan For Emergencies Large And Small

You can plan for an emergency by saving your money or investing, but there are times when you may not have enough money saved yet. Because of this, you should consider what your other options are. You want to know that you can manage an unexpected emergency, like an unplanned medical bill or critical home repair, without unraveling your financial well-being. 

A short-term loan from a payday loan organization may help you handle the expenses from unexpected emergencies if you do not have enough money saved. You should incorporate your loan payments into your monthly budget and should plan to pay the loan back as soon as possible to avoid late fees. You know you may have options, and you can continue with your special savings and investment plan.

Conclusion

You need to reduce your stress levels as much as possible, try to eat healthy, and upgrade your financial well-being. When you do the things listed above, you will notice a difference in your overall outlook on life and your lifestyle. You can trim your budget so that you are not spending too much money on food, or you can take out things that you do not think are worth the money. Additionally, you can use a loan to pay for an emergency when you do not have any money saved up yet.

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